Quinuclidine amide derivatives

ABSTRACT

New quinuclidine amide derivatives having the chemical structure of general formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof including quaternary salts of formula (II) are disclosed; as well as processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions 10 comprising them and their use in therapy as antagonists of M3 muscarinic receptors.

This invention relates to new therapeutically useful quinuclidine amide derivatives, to some processes for their preparation and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them.

The novel structures according to the invention are antimuscarinic agents with a potent and long lasting effect. In particular, these compounds show high affinity for M3 muscarinic receptors. This subtype of muscarinic receptor is present in glands and smooth muscle and mediates the excitatory effects of the parasympathetic system on glandular secretion and on the contraction of visceral smooth muscle (Chapter 6, Cholinergic Transmission, in H. P. Rang et al., Pharmacology, Churchill Livingstone, N.Y., 1995).

M3 antagonists are therefore known to be useful for treating diseases characterised by an increased parasympathetic tone, by excessive glandular secretion or by smooth muscle contraction (R. M. Eglen and S. S. Hegde, (1997), Drug News Perspect., 10(8):462469).

Examples of this kind of diseases are respiratory disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, bronchial hyperreactivity, asthma, cough and rhinitis; urological disorders such as urinary incontinence, pollakiuria, neurogenic or unstable bladder, cystospasm and chronic cystitis; gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, spastic colitis, diverticulitis and peptic ulceration; and cardiovascular disorders such as vagally induced sinus bradycardia (Chapter 7, Muscarinic Receptor Agonists and Antagonists, in Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 10th edition, McGraw Hill, New York, 2001).

The compounds of the invention can be used alone or in association with other drugs commonly regarded as effective in the treatment of these diseases. For example, they can be administered in combination with β₂-agonists, steroids, antiallergic drugs, phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors and/or leukotriene D4 (LTD4) antagonists for simultaneous, separate or sequential use in the treatment of a respiratory disease.

The new quinuclidine amide derivatives of the invention have the chemical structure of formula (I):

wherein

R₁ represents a hydrogen atom or a straight or branched, optionally substituted lower alkyl group;

R₂ represents a group of formula i) or ii)

wherein

R₃ represents a group selected from phenyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thienyl or 3-thienyl;

R₄ represents a group selected from optionally substituted lower alkyl, optionally substituted lower alkenyl, optionally substituted lower alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylmethyl, phenyl, benzyl, phenethyl, 2-fury, 3-furyl, 2-thienyl or 3-thienyl;

and R₅ represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxy, methyl, or —CH₂OH group;

the benzene rings in formula ii) and the cyclic groups represented by R₃ and R₄ being each independently optionally substituted by one, two or three substituents selected from halogen, straight or branched, optionally substituted lower alkyl, hydroxy, straight or branched, optionally substituted lower alkoxy, nitro, cyano, —CO₂R′ or —NR′R″, wherein R′ and R″ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a straight or branched, optionally substituted lower alkyl group or R′ and R″ together with the atom to which they are attached form a cyclic group;

Q represents a single bond or a —CH₂—, —CH₂—CH₂—, —O—, —O—CH₂—, —S—, —S—CH₂— or —CH═CH— group;

p is 1 or 2 and the amide group is at positions 2, 3 or 4 of the azabicyclic ring;

or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; including quaternary ammonium salts;

and all individual stereoisomers and mixtures thereof;

with the proviso that when p is 2, the amide moiety is in position 3 of the quinuclidine ring, R₁ is hydrogen and R₃ and R₄ are both unsubstituted phenyl, then

when said compound is not a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or is a HCl salt, then R₅ cannot be one of hydrogen or hydroxy; and

when said compound is a quaternary ammonium salt having a methyl group attached to the nitrogen atom of the quinuclidine ring, then R₅ cannot be hydroxy.

The compounds of the invention include quaternary ammonium salts of formula (II).

wherein R₁, R₂ and p are as defined above;

m is an integer from 0 to 8;

n is an integer from 0 to 4:

A represents a group selected from —CH₂—, —CH═CR′—, —CR′═CH—, —CR′R″—, —C(O)—, —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂— and —NR′—, wherein R′ and R″ are as defined above;

R₆ represents a hydrogen atom, or a group selected from straight or branched, optionally substituted lower alkyl, hydroxy, straight or branched, optionally substituted lower alkoxy, cyano, nitro, —CH═CR′R″, —C(O)OR′, —OC(O)R′, —SC(O)R′, —C(O)NR′R″, —NR′C(O)OR″, —NR′C(O)NR″, cycloalkyl, phenyl, naphthanelyl, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthanelyl, benzo[1,3]dioxolyl, heteroaryl or heterocyclyl; R′ and R″ being as defined above; and wherein the cyclic groups represented by R₆ are optionally substituted by one, two or three substituents selected from halogen, hydroxy, straight or branched, optionally substituted lower alkyl, phenyl, —OR′, —SR′, —NR′R″, —NHCOR′, —CONR′R″, —CN, —NO₂ and —COOR′; R′ and R″ being as defined above;

X⁻ represents a pharmaceutically acceptable anion of a mono or polyvalent acid.

and all individual stereoisomers and mixtures thereof;

with the proviso that when p is 2, the amide moiety is in position 3 of the quinuclidine ring, R₁ is hydrogen, R₃ and R₄ are both unsubstituted phenyl and R₅ is hydroxy, then in the compounds of formula (II) the sequence R₆—(CH₂)_(n)-A-(CH₂)_(m)— cannot be a methyl group.

Further objectives of the present invention are to provide processes for preparing said compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising an effective amount of said compounds; the use of the compounds in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of diseases susceptible of being improved by antagonism of M3 muscarinic receptors; and methods of treatment of diseases susceptible to amelioration by antagonism of M3 muscarinic receptors, which methods comprise the administration of the compounds of the invention to a subject in need of treatment.

Certain quinuclidine amide derivatives, which fall outside the scope of the present invention, have been disclosed in JP 09328469 and WO 9316048.

As used herein, an alkyl group or moiety can be straight or branched, and is typically a lower alkyl group or moiety. A lower alkyl group or moiety contains 1 to 8, preferably 1 to 6 and more preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms. In particular it is preferred that such an alkyl group or moiety is represented by a methyl, ethyl, propyl, including i-propyl or butyl, including n-butyl, sec-butyl and tert-butyl group or moiety.

As used herein, an alkenyl group or moiety can be straight or branched, and is typically a lower alkenyl group or moiety. A lower alkenyl group or moiety contains 2 to 8, preferably 2 to 6 and more preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms. In particular it is preferred that such an alkenyl group or moiety is represented by a vinyl, allyl or 1-propenyl group or moiety.

As used herein, an alkynyl group or moiety can be straight or branched, and is typically a lower alkynyl group or moiety. A lower alkynyl group or moiety contains 2 to 8, preferably 2 to 6 and more preferably 2 to 4 carbon atoms. In particular it is preferred that such an alkynyl group or moiety is represented by a 3-butynyl or 1-propynyl group or moiety.

Optionally substituted lower alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups mentioned herein include straight or branched lower alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups as defined above, which may be unsubstituted or substituted in any position by one or more substituents, for example by 1, 2 or 3 substituents. When two or more substituents are present, each substituent may be the same or different. The substituent(s) are typically halogen atoms, preferably fluoride atoms, and hydroxy or alkoxy groups.

Alkoxy groups mentioned herein are typically lower alkoxy groups, that is groups containing from 1 to 8, preferably 1 to 6 and more preferably 1 to 4 carbon atoms, the hydrocarbon chain being branched or straight and optionally substituted in any position by one or more substituents, for example by 1, 2 or 3 substituents. When two or more substituents are present, each substituent may be the same or different. The substituent(s) are typically halogen atoms, most preferably fluoride atoms, and hydroxy groups. Preferred optionally substituted alkoxy groups include methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy, i-propoxy, n-butoxy, sec-butoxy, t-butoxy, trifluoromethoxy and difluoromethoxy, hydroxymethoxy, hydroxyethoxy or 2-hydroxypropoxy.

Cyclic groups mentioned herein include carbocyclic and heterocyclic groups. The cyclic groups can contain one or more rings. Carbocyclic groups may be aromatic or alicyclic, for example cycloalkyl groups. Heterocyclic groups also include heteroaryl groups.

Cycloalkyl groups and alicyclic groups mentioned herein, unless otherwise specified, typically contain from 3 to 7 carbon atoms. Cycloalkyl groups and alicyclic rings of 3 to 7 carbon atoms include cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl and cycloheptyl.

As used herein an aromatic group typically contains from 5 to 14, preferably 5 to 10 carbon atoms. Examples of aromatic groups include phenyl and naphthalenyl.

A heterocyclic or heteroaromatic group mentioned herein is typically a 5 to 10 membered group, such as a 5, 6 or 7 membered group, containing one or more heteroatoms selected from N, S and O. Typically, 1, 2, 3 or 4 heteroatoms are present, preferably 1 or 2 heteroatoms. A heterocyclic or heteroaromatic group may be a single ring or two or more fused rings wherein at least one ring contains a heteroatom. Examples of heterocyclic groups include piperidyl, pyrrolidyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolinyl, indolinyl, isoindolinyl, pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, indolizinyl, isoindolyl, indolyl, indazolyl, purinyl, quinolizinyl, isoquinolyl, quinolyl, phthalazinyl, naphthyridinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinazolinyl, cinnolinyl, pteridinyl, quinuclidinyl, triazolyl, pyrazolyl, tetrazolyl, thienyl and dioxolyl. Examples of heteroaromatic groups include pyridyl, thienyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, imidazolyl, benzothiazolyl, pyridinyl, pyrazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, indolyl, indazolyl, purinyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl, phthalazinyl, naphthyridinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinazolinyl, cinnolinyl, triazolyl and pyrazolyl.

As used herein a halogen atom includes a fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine atom, typically a fluorine, chlorine or bromine atom.

As used herein, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt is a salt with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base. Pharmaceutically acceptable acids include both inorganic acids, for example hydrochloric, sulphuric, phosphoric, diphosphoric, hydrobromic and nitric acid and organic acids, for example citric, fumaric, formic, maleic, malic, ascorbic, succinic, tartaric, benzoic, acetic, methanesulphonic, ethanesulphonic, benzenesulphonic or p-toluenesulphonic acid. Pharmaceutically acceptable bases include alkali metal (e.g. sodium or potassium) and alkali earth metal (e.g. calcium or magnesium) hydroxides and organic bases, for example alkyl amines, aralkyl amines and heterocyclic amines. Preferred salts of the compounds of formula (I) are those formed between the nitrogen atom of the azabicyclic ring and an inorganic or an organic acid

Other preferred salts according to the invention are quaternary ammonium compounds of formula (II), wherein an equivalent of an anion (X⁻) is associated with the positive charge of the N atom. X⁻ may be an anion of various mineral acids such as, for example, chloride, bromide, iodide, sulphate, nitrate, phosphate, or an anion of an organic acid such as, for example, acetate, formate, maleate, fumarate, citrate, oxalate, succinate, tartrate, malate, mandelate, trifluoroacetate, methanesulphonate and p-toluenesulphonate. X⁻ is preferably an anion selected from chloride, bromide, iodide, sulphate, nitrate, acetate, maleate, oxalate, succinate or trifluoroacetate. More preferably X⁻ is chloride, bromide, trifluoroacetate or methanesulphonate.

Preferred compounds of formulae (I) or (II) are those wherein R₁ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, most preferably hydrogen.

In some preferred embodiments of the invention R₂ is a group of formula i), wherein R₃ is a group, which is optionally substituted with one or more halogen atom(s), selected from phenyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl or 2-furyl. More preferably R₂ is a group of formula i), wherein R₃ represents a group phenyl, 2-thienyl or 2-furyl which are optionally substituted with one or more halogen atom(s). Most preferably, R₃ is phenyl or 2-thienyl,

Further preferred compounds having a group of formula i) are those wherein R₄ represents a linear group selected from ethyl, n-butyl, vinyl, allyl, 1-propenyl and 1-propynyl, or a group, which is optionally substituted with one or more halogen atom(s), methyl or methoxy group(s), selected from cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl, benzyl, phenethyl, 2-thienyl and 3-furyl. More preferably compounds having a group of formula i) are those wherein R₄ represents a linear group selected from ethyl, n-butyl, vinyl, allyl and 1-propynyl, or a group, which is optionally substituted with one or more halogen atom(s), methyl or methoxy group(s), selected from cyclopentyl, phenyl, benzyl, phenethyl and 2-thienyl Most preferably, R₄ is ethyl, n-butyl, vinyl, allyl, cyclopentyl, phenyl, benzyl or 2-thienyl.

In other preferred embodiments of the invention R₂ is a group of formula ii), wherein Q represents a single bond or an oxygen atom.

In the most preferred embodiments of the invention R₅ in groups i) or ii) is a hydrogen atom or a hydroxy group.

Preferably, in the compounds of formulae (I) or (II) p is 2 and the amide group is at positions 3 or 4 of the azabicyclic ring, most preferably at position 3.

Particularly preferred compounds of formula (II) are those wherein m is an integer from 0 to 6 and n is an integer from 0 to 4; most preferably m is 0 to 5 and n 0 to 2; A represents a group selected from —CH₂—, —CH═CH—, —O—, —C(O)—, —NR′—, and —S—; most preferably A is —CH₂—, —CH═CH—, —O—; and R₆ is a hydrogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a —C(O)OR′ group, a —OC(O)R′ group, a —SC(O)R′, group, a —CH═CH₂ group, a —CH═CR′R″ group, a C(O)NR′R″ group, a straight or branched C₁-C₄ alkyl group, which is optionally substituted with one or more halogen atom(s), a straight C₁-C₄ alkoxy group, which is optionally substituted with one or more halogen atom(s) or hydroxy group(s), or a cyclic group, which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from halogen atoms, groups of formula —C(O)NR′R″ or methyl, hydroxy, nitro or phenyl groups, the cyclic group being selected from cyclohexyl, phenyl, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthanelyl, 2-thienyl, 1-pyrrolidinyl, 1-pyrrolyl, benzo[1,3]dioxolyl, 2-benzothiazolyl, naphthalenyl and dioxolyl. More preferably compounds of formula (II) are those wherein m is an integer from 0 to 5 and n is an integer from 0 to 2; A represents a group selected from —CH₂—, —CH═CH—, —O—, —C(O)—, —NR′—, and —S—; and R₆ is a hydrogen atom, a cyano group, a —C(O)OR′ group, a —OC(O)R′ group, a —SC(O)R′, group, a —CH═CH₂ group, a —C(O)NR′R″ group, a straight or branched C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a trifluoromethyl, or a cyclic group selected from cyclohexyl, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthanelyl, 2-thienyl, 1-pyrrolyl, benzo[1,3]dioxolyl, 2-benzothiazolyl, naphthalenyl, dioxolyl and phenyl, which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from halogen atoms, groups of formula —C(O)NR′R″, methyl, hydroxy and phenyl groups. Most preferably R₆ is selected from hydrogen, straight C₁-C₄ alkyl, —CH═CH₂, cyclohexyl, phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted with one or two substituents selected from methyl groups and hydroxy groups, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthanelyl and 2-thienyl.

Most preferred are compounds of formula (II) wherein the sequence R₆—(CH₂)_(n)-A-(CH₂)_(m)— is one of methyl, 3-phenoxypropyl, 3-(3-hydroxyphenoxy)propyl, allyl, heptyl, 3-phenylpropyl, 3-phenylallyl, 2-phenoxyethyl, 2-benzyloxyethyl, cyclohexylmethyl, 3-(5,6,7,8tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy)propyl, 5-(2,6dimethylphenoxy)pentyl, 3-thien-2-ylpropyl or 3-cyclohexylpropyl and X⁻ is bromide or trifluoroacetate.

The compounds of the present invention represented by formulae (I) or (II) described above may have one or more asymmetric atoms, e.g. the carbon in position 3 of the quinuclidine ring; the carbon substituted by R₃, R₄ and R₅ in the compounds wherein R₂ is a group of formula i); or the carbon which is attached to the carbonyl group in the compounds wherein R₂ is a group of formula ii). Each of these asymmetric atoms may have R- or S-configuration. The single isomers and mixtures of the isomers fall within the scope of the invention.

Particular individual compounds of formula (I) include:

-   N-(1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl)-2-hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetamide -   N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetamide -   N-[(3S)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetamide -   N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetamide -   N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-dyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetamide -   N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3yl]-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylpent4-enamide -   (2*)-N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2)oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylbutanamide     (diastereomer 1) -   (2*)-N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylbutanamide     (diastereomer 2) -   (2*)-N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylbut-3-enamide     (diastereomer 1) -   (2*)-N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylbut-3-enamide     (diastereomer 2) -   N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2,3-diphenylpropanamide -   N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetamide -   N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-phenylhexanamide -   N-(1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl)-9H-xanthene-9carboxamide -   N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-9H-xanthene-9-carboxamide -   N-[(3S)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-9H-xanthene-9-carboxamide -   N-(1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl)-9-hydroxy-9H-fluorene-9-carboxamide -   N-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl-N-methyl-9H-xanthene-9-carboxamide -   N-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl-N-ethyl-9H-xanthene-9carboxamide -   N-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-4-yl-2-cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetamide -   N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2-phenyl-2-thien-2-ylacetamide -   N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-(5-bromothien-2-y)-2-(4-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)-2-hydroxyacetamide -   N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-fur-2-yl-2-hydroxypent-3-ynamide -   N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-fur-2-yl-2-hydroxy-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butanamide -   N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-fur-3-yl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetamide -   N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-cyclohexyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-3-ylacetamide -   N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-9-hydroxy-9H-fluorene-9-carboxamide -   N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-N-methyl-9H-xanthene-9-carboxamide -   (2S)-N-[(3R)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-y]-2-cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetamide

((*) Configuration not assigned; either the (2R)- or the (2S)-isomers of the above compounds may be produced).

Particular individual compounds of formula (II) include:

-   3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-methyl-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     bromide -   3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(3-phenoxypropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     bromide -   (3R)-3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-methyl-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-1-Allyl-3-(2-hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-1-Heptyl-3-(2-hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(3-phenylpropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     bromide -   (3R)-3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-((E)-3-phenylallyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(2-phenoxyethyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     bromide -   (3R)-3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(3-phenoxypropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     bromide -   (3R)-3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-[3-(3-hydroxyphenoxy)propyl]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-1-(2-Benzyloxyethyl)-3-(2-hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(3thien-2-ylpropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     bromide -   (3S)-3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(3-phenoxypropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     bromide -   (3R)-3-(2,2-Dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(3-phenoxypropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     bromide -   1-Methyl-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     bromide -   1-(3-Phenoxypropyl)-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     bromide -   (3R)-1-(3-Phenoxypropyl)-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     bromide -   (3S)-1-Allyl-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3S)-1-Heptyl-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3S)-1-Cyclohexylmethyl-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3S)-1-(3-Cyclohexylpropyl)-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3S)-1-(3-Phenoxypropyl)-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     bromide -   (3S)-1-[3-(5,6,7,8-Tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy)propyl]-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3S)-1-[5-(2,6-Dimethylphenoxy)pentyl]-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   3-{[(9-Hydroxy-9H-fluoren-9-yl)carbonyl]amino}-1-methyl-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     bromide -   3{[(9-Hydroxy-9H-fluoren-9-yl)carbonyl]amino}-1-(3-phenoxypropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     bromide -   (3R)-1-[3-(2-Carbamoylphenoxy)propyl]-3-{[(9-Hydroxy-9H-fluoren-9-yl)carbonyl]amino}-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-1-[4(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-oxobutyl]-3-{[(9-Hydroxy-9H-fluoren-9-yl)carbonyl]amino}-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-3-{[(9-Hydroxy-9H-fluoren-9-yl)carbonyl]amino}-1-(4-oxo-4-thien-2-ylbutyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-3-{[(9-Hydroxy-9H-fluoren-9-yl)carbonyl]amino}-1-3-(methylphenylamino)propyl]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-3-{[(9-Hydroxy-9H-fluoren-9-yl)carbonyl]amino}-1-(3-phenylsulfanylpropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   3-[Methyl-(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-(3-pyrrol-1-ylpropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   1-[3-(Biphenyl-4-yloxy)propyl]-3-[ethyl-(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-1-[3-(Benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yloxy)propyl]-3-(2-hydroxy-2-phenyl-2-thien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-1-[3-(Benzothiazol-2-yloxy)propyl]-3-(2-hydroxy-2-phenyl-2-thien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-3-(2-Fur-2-yl-2-hydroxypent-3-ynoylamino)-1-[3-(naphthalen-1-yloxy)propyl]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-3-[2-Fur-2-yl-2-hydroxy-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyrylamino]-1-[6-(4-phenylbutoxy)hexyl]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-3-(2-Cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-3-(2-Cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(2-ethoxyethyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-3-(2-Cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-{2-[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy]ethyl}-1l-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-3-(2-Cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(4,4,4-trifluorobutyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-1-(4-Acetoxybutyl)-3-[2-(5-bromothien-2-yl)-2-(4-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)-2-hydroxyacetylamino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-3-[2-(5-Bromothien-2-yl)-2-(4fluoro-3-methylphenyl)-2-hydroxyacetylamino]-1-(4-ethoxycarbonylbutyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-1-(3-Acetylsulfanylpropyl)-3-[2-(5-bromothien-2-yl)-2-(4-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)-2-hydroxyacetylamino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-1-(3-Cyanopropyl)-3-(2-hydroxy-2-phenyl-2-thien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-1-(2-Carbamoylethyl)-3-(2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylpent-4-enoylamino)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate     (3R)-1-(2-[1,3]Dioxolan-2-ylethyl)-3-(2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylpent-4-enoylamino)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   4-(2-Cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(4-methylpent-3-enyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     trifluoroacetate -   (3R)-1-[3-(2-Carbamoylphenoxy)propyl]-3{[(9-Hydroxy-9H-fluoren-9-yl)carbonyl]amino}-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     formate     (3R)-1-[4-(4-Fluorophenyl)4-oxobutyl]-3-{[(9-Hydroxy-9H-fluoren-9-yl)carbonyl]amino}-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     formate -   (3R)-3{[(9-Hydroxy-9H-fluoren-9-yl)carbonyl]amino}-1-[3-(methylphenylamino)propyl]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     chloride -   (3R)-3-{[(9-Hydroxy-9H-fluoren-9-yl)carbonyl]amino}-1-(3-phenylsulfanylpropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     formate -   (3R)-3-[Methyl-(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-(3-pyrrol-1-ylpropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     bromide -   (3R)-1-[3-(Biphenyl-4-yloxy)propyl]-3-[methyl-(9H-xanthene-9-carbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     chloride -   (3R)-3-(2-Fur-2-yl-2-hydroxypent-3-ynoylamino)-1-[3-(naphthalen-1-yloxy)propyl]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     chloride -   (3R)-1-[3-(Benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yloxy)propyl]-3-(2-fur-2-yl-2-hydroxypent-3-ynoylamino)-1-azonia-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane     bromide -   (3R)-1-[3-(Benzothiazol-2-yloxy)propyl]-3-(2-fur-2-yl-2-hydroxypent-3-ynoylamino)-1-azonia-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane     chloride -   (3R)-3{[(2S)-2-Cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetyl]amino}-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     bromide     (3R)-3-{[(2S)-2-Cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetyl]amino}-1-(2-ethoxyethyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     formate -   (3R)-3-{[(2S)-2-Cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetyl]amino}-1-(4,4,4-trifluorobutyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     bromide -   (3R)-1-(4-Acetoxybutyl)-3-[2-(5-bromothien-2-yl)-2-(4-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)-2-hydroxyacetylamino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     bromide -   (3R)-3-[2-(5-Bromothien-2-yl)-2-(4fluoro-3-methylphenyl)-2-hydroxyacetylamino]-1-(4-ethoxycarbonylbutyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     bromide -   (3R)-1-(3-Acetylsulfanylpropyl)-3-[2-(5-bromothien-2-yl)-2-(4-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)-2-hydroxyacetylamino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     formate -   (3R)-1-(3-Cyanopropyl)-3-[2-fur-2-yl-2-hydroxy4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyrylamino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     bromide -   (3R)-1-(2-Carbamoylethyl)-3-[2-fur-2-yl-2-hydroxy4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyrylamino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     formate -   (3R)-1-(2-[1,3]Dioxolan-2-yl-ethyl)-3-[2-fur-2-yl-2-hydroxy-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyrylamino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane     bromide

In accordance with another embodiment, the present invention provides processes for preparing the novel quinuclidine amide derivatives of formulae (I) and (II)

The compounds of formula (I) may be prepared from the corresponding carboxylic acid of formula (III) following two different methods (a) and (b), illustrated in the following scheme.

Some compounds of formula (IV) are commercially available, for example 3-aminoquinuclidine (Aldrich, dihydrochloride), (3R)-aminoquinuclidine (Aldrich, Finorga, dihydrochloride) and (3S)-aminoquinuclidine (Aldrich, dihydrochloride).

(3R)-N-methylquinuclidin-3-amine has been prepared as described in the experimental section.

Those compounds of formula (I), wherein R₂ is a group of formula i) and R₅ is an hydroxy group may also be prepared from the compounds of formula (V) by reaction with the corresponding organometallic derivative.

The compounds of formula (V) may be prepared from the corresponding glyoxylic acids following methods equivalent to methods (a) and (b) described in Scheme 1

Certain compounds of formula (V) are novel and fall within the scope of the present invention. In particular:

-   N-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl-2-oxo-2-thien-2-ylacetamide -   N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-oxo-2-thien-2-ylacetamide -   N-[(3S)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-oxo-2-thien-2-ylacetamide

The quaternary ammonium derivatives of formula (II) may be prepared, as illustrated in the following scheme, by reaction of the compounds of formula (I) with an alkylating agent of formula (VI) using two possible methods -(d) or (e)-, described in detail in the experimental section. Method (e) involves the use of solid phase extraction techniques that allow the parallel preparation of several compounds.

In formula (VI), W represents any suitable leaving group, preferably a group X³¹ as defined above for the compounds of formula (II). When W is a leaving group other than X⁻, the quaternary ammonium salt of formula (II) is produced from the product of method (d) or (e) by an exchange reaction according to standard methods to replace the anion W with the desired anion X⁻.

Those compounds of general formula (VI) which are not commercially available have been prepared according to standard methods. For example, compounds wherein n=0 and A=—O—, —S—, NR′ were obtained by reaction of the corresponding alcohol, thiol or amine derivative, or its sodium or potassium salt, with an alkylating agent of general formula Y—(CH₂)_(m)—W, wherein W is as defined above; most preferably W is a halogen atom and Y a halogen atom or a sulphonate ester. In other examples, compounds of general formula (VI) wherein n is at least 1 were synthesised from the corresponding alcohol derivative of general formula (VII) by methods known in the art. R₆—(CH₂)_(n)-A-(CH₂)_(m)—OH   (VIl)

The compounds of formulae (I) and (II) can have one or more asymmetric carbons. All possible stereoisomers, single isomers and mixtures of isomers are also included within the scope of the present invention. The diastereomers of the compounds may be separated by conventional methods, for example by chromatography or crystallisation.

The structures of the compounds were confirmed by ¹H-NMR and MS. The NMR spectra were recorded using either a Varian 300 MHz instrument or a Bruker DPX-250 instrument. Chemical shifts are expressed as parts per million (δ) from the internal reference tetramethylsilane. The purity of the compounds was determined by HPLC, using reverse phase chromatography on a Waters instrument. Molecular ions were produced by electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry on a Hewlett Packard instrument.

Method (a)

Preparation of N-[(3R)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-phenylhexanamide EXAMPLE 27

2-phenylhexanoic acid was prepared by alkylation of phenylacetic acid with 1-chlorobutane following a standard method. Oxalyl chloride (0.88 ml, 0.0101 mol) was then added to a solution of 1.62 9 of 2-phenylhexanoic acid (0.0084 mol) and dimethylformamide (DMF, one drop) in 25 ml of CHCl₃ (ethanol free) at 0° C. The mixture was stirred and allowed to warm at room temperature. After an hour at this temperature the solvents were evaporated and the residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ and evaporated again. This procedure was repeated two times. The oil obtained was dissolved in CHCl₃ and the solution obtained cooled at 0° C. A solution of (3R)-aminoquinuclidine (1.28 g, 0.0101 mol) in CHCl₃ was added. The mixture was stirred and allowed to warm at room temperature. After 1 hour at this temperature, the reaction mixture was diluted with CHCl₃ and washed with a 10% solution of aqueous potassium-carbonate, then washed with water, dried over Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to give 3.57 g of an oil which was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, CHCl₃:MeOH:NH₄OH 90:10:1 as eluent). Appropriate fractions were combined and evaporated to give 2.42 g of a solid that after treatment with isopropyl ether yielded 1.59 g (63.1%) of the title product as a mixture of diastereomers.

mp: 136° C.

MS [M+1]⁺: 301

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d6): (mixture of diastereomers 50:50) δ 0.84 (t, 3H), 1.10-1.60 (m, 9H), 1.70 (m, 1H), 1.90 (m, 1H), 2.25-2.50 (m, 1H), 2.50-2.80 (m, 4H), 2.94 & 3.05 (m, 1H), 3.50 (m, 1H), 3.65 (m, 1H), 7.15-7.40 (m, 5H), 8.04 (m, 1H, NH).

Preparation of N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-N-methyl-9H-xanthene-9-carboxamide EXAMPLE 47

Oxalyl chloride (0.540 ml, 0.0062 mol) was added to a solution of 9H-xanthene-9-carboxylic acid (1.16 g, 0.0051 mol) and dimethylformamide (two drops) in 20 ml of CHCl₃ (ethanol free) at 0° C. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature under stirring and maintained 1 h at this temperature. After this time, the reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness in vacuo and the obtained residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (15 ml) and concentrated again. This procedure was repeated two times. The obtained residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ and the solution cooled to 0° C. A solution of 0.865 g (0.0062 mol) of (3R)-N-methylquinuclidin-3-amine (Intermediate I-4) in 10 ml of CHCl₃ was added. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature under stirring. After 4 hours at this temperature, the reaction mixture was treated with K₂CO₃ (saturated solution) and the aqueous phase was extracted with CHCl₃. The organic solutions were combined and washed with K₂CO₃ (saturated solution) and water, dried over Na₂SO₄ filtered and concentrated to dryness. The obtained residue was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, CHCl₃: NH₄OH 99:1→CHCl₃: MeOH:NH₄OH 98:2:1 as eluent) to yield 900 mg (50%) of the title product.

MS [M+1]⁺: 349

¹H-RMN (400 MHz, 60° C., CDCl₃): δ 7.26-7.19 (m, 4H), 7.10-7.01 (m, 4H), 5.51 (s, 1H), 4.18 (broad multiplet, 1H), 2.92 (s, 3H), 2.85-2.40 (m, 6H), 1.85-1.20 (m, 5H).

Preparation of (3R)-N-methylquinuclidin-3-amine (Intermediate I-4)

1 g (0.0079 mol) of (3R)-aminoquinuclidine was dissolved in 20 ml of CH₂Cl₂ and 1.22 ml (0.0087 mol) of triethylamine were added. The obtained solution was cooled to 0° C., ClCO₂Et (0.835 ml, 0.0087 mol) was added and the mixture was stirred 15 h at room temperature. After this time, solvents were evaporated in vacuo, the obtained residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ and the solution washed with K₂CO₃ (saturated solution) and water. The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated to dryness. The obtained residue was used without further purification as is described as follows. The obtained residue was dissolved in 15 ml of THF, the solution was cooled to 0° C. and 0.601 g (0.016 mol) of LiAlH₄ were added in several portions. The reaction mixture was heated under reflux for 4 h. After this time, was cooled to 0° C. and the excess of hydride was decomposed by the consecutive addition, under stirring, dropwise and cautiously of 0.6 ml of H₂O, 0.6 ml of NaOH (10% solution) and 1.8 ml of H₂O. When the decomposition was finished, the reaction mixture was filtered and the sludge was washed with THF and CHCl₃, the organic solutions were combined and concentrated to dryness to obtain 830 mg (75%) of the title product, structure confirmed by ¹H-RMN and ¹³C-RMN.

¹³C-RMN (CDCl₃): δ 57.0 (CH), 56.5 (CH2), 47.5 (CH2), 46.9 (CH2), 34.3 (CH3), 26.1 (CH2), 24.6 (CH), 19.9 (CH2).

The following Examples of formula (I) were prepared by method (a) from the appropriate carboxylic acid:

-   N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2,3-diphenylpropanamide     (Example 25) from 2,3-diphenylpropionic acid. -   N-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl)-9H-xanthene-9-carboxamide (Example     28) -   N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-9H-xanthene-9-carboxamide     (Example 31) -   N-[(3S)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-9H-xanthene-9-carboxamide     (Example 33)     All three from 9H-xanthene-9 carboxylic acid.     Method (b)

Preparation of N-[(3R)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetamide EXAMPLE 17

2,2-dithien-2-ylacetic acid was produced by hydrolysis of 2,2-dithien-2-ylacetic acid methyl ester, previously prepared as described in F. Leonard and 1. Ehranthal, J. Am. Chem. Soc, (1951), Vol 73, pag 2216. 1.2 g (0.0054 mol) of 2,2-dithien-2-ylacetic acid were dissolved in 25 ml of THF. To this solution were added 0.96 g (0.00594 mol) of 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole and the mixture was refluxed for an hour. The reaction was monitored by TLC following the formation of the imidazolide. When the reaction was completed 0.75 g (0.00594 mol) of (3R)-aminoquinuclidine were added. The reaction mixture was refluxed for 16 h, cooled, diluted with ether and washed with water. The organic layer was extracted with HCl 2N, the acid solution basified with K₂CO₃ and extracted with CHCl₃. The organic phase was dried over Na₂SO₄ and the solvent was evaporated to obtain 0.60 g of an oil which was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, CHCl₃:MeOH:NH₄OH 90:10:1 as eluent). Appropriate fractions were combined and evaporated to give 0.31 g of the title product (17.3%).

mp: 165° C.

MS [M+1]⁺: 333

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 1.43 (m, 2H), 1.63 (m, 2H), 1.92 (m, 1H), 2.4 (m, 1H), 2.65-2.85 (m, 4H), 3.31 (m, 1H), 3.97 (m, 1H), 5.37 (s, 1H), 5.98 (d, 1H, NH), 7.0 (m, 4H), 7.28 (m, 2H).

Preparation of N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-9-hydroxy-9H-fluorene-9-carboxamide EXAMPLE 44

5 g (0.022 mol) of 9-hydroxy-9H-fluorene-9-carboxylic acid were dissolved in 50 ml of dry DMF and 4.2 g (0.026 mol) of 1,1′-carbonyldiimidazole were added. The mixture was stirred during 1 h at room temperature. After this time 3.26 g (0.026 mol) of (3R)-aminoquinuclidine and 0.324 g (0.0027 mol) of DMAP (4-(dimethylamino)pyridine) were added. The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature during 14 hours, then was concentrated in vacuo to eliminate the DMF and the obtained residue was dissolved in AcOEt. The organic solution was washed with NaHCO₃ (saturated solution) and water. The organic layer was separated, dried over Na₂SO₄ and solvent was evaporated. The obtained product was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, CHCl₃: NH₄OH 100:1→CHCl₃: MeOH:NH₄OH 80:20:1 as eluent). Appropriate fractions were combined and evaporated to yield 304 mg of the title product (4%).

MS [M+1]⁺: 335

¹H-RMN (CDCl₃): δ 7.67-7.62 (m, 2H), 7.42-7.36 (m, 4H), 7.32-7.25 (m, 2H), 6.08-5.93 (m, NH, 1H), 3.74 (m, 1H), 3.00-2.87 (m, 1H), 2.52-2.27 (m, 4H), 2.02-1.92 (m, 1H), 1.80-1.76 (m, 1H), 1.51-1.44 (m, 2H), 1.26-1.17 (m, 2H).

Preparation of (2S)-N-[(3R)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetamide EXAMPLE 49

The title compound was prepared as is described in Example 44 starting from (2S)-2-Cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-yl acetic acid. The obtained product was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, CHCl₃:MeOH:NH₄OH 99:1:1→CHCl₃: MeOH:NH₄OH 97:3:1 as eluent) to give 800 mg of the title product impurified with imidazole. The obtained product was dissolved in CHCl₃ and washed with H₂O (×3). The organic solution was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to yield 650 mg of the title product (44% from the starting acid). Structure confirmed by ¹H-RMN and MS.

MS [M+1⁺: 335

¹H-RMN (CDCl₃): δ 7.24 (m, 1H), 7.08 (m, 1H), 6.97 (m, 1H), 6.64 (d, NH, 1H), 3.91-3.81 (m, 1H), 3.33-3.23 (m, 1H), 2.88-2.69 (m, 5H), 2.42-2.33 (m, 1H), 1.87 (m, 1H), 1.69-1.36 (m, 12H)

(2S)-2-Cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-yl acetic acid has been prepared as is described in WO/02053564

The following Examples of formula (I) were prepared according to method (b) from the appropriate carboxylic acid:

-   N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetamide     (Example 19) from 2-cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetic acid,     which was produced by hydrolysis of     2-cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetic acid methyl ester,     compound described in E. Atkinson et al., J. Med. Chem., (1977), Vol     20, no 12, 1612-1617 and WO021053564. -   N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetamide     (Example 26) from 2-cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetic acid. -   N-(1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl)-9H-xanthene-9-carboxamide     (Example 28) from 9H-xanthene-9 carboxylic acid -   N-(1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl)-9-hydroxy-9H-fluorene-9-carboxamide     (Example 41) from 9-Hydroxy-9H-fluorene-9-carboxylic acid.     Method (c)

Preparation of N-[(3R)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-oxo-2-thien-2-ylacetamide (Intermediate I-1)

Oxalyl chloride (4.5 ml, 0.0516 mol) was added to a solution of 6.68 g (0.0428 mol) of 2-oxo-2-thien-2-ylacetic acid and DMF (several drops) in 100 ml of CHCl₃ (ethanol free) at 0° C. The mixture was stirred and allowed to warm to room temperature. After two hours at this temperature, the solvents were evaporated and the residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ and evaporated again. This procedure was repeated two times. The oil obtained was dissolved in CHCl₃ and the solution obtained cooled at 0° C. A solution of (3R)-aminoquinuclidine (5.91g, 0.0468 mol) in 50 ml of CHCl₃ was added. The mixture was stirred and allowed to warm to room temperature. After 18 hours at this temperature, the reaction mixture was washed with an aqueous K₂CO₃ solution. The basic aqueous solution was extracted again with CHCl₃. The organic phases were combined, washed with water, dried over Na₂SO₄ and evaporated to give 11.34 g of the title product.

MS [M+1]⁺: 265

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 1.40-1.85 (m, 4H), 2.0 (m, ₁H), 2.60 (m,1H), 2.70-3.0 (m, 4H), 3.4 (m, 1H), 4.0 (m, 1H), 7.20 (m, 1H), 7.50 (d,₁H, NH), 7.85 (m, 1H), 8.40 (m, 1H).

Following an equivalent procedure the following intermediates were prepared:

-   N-[(3S)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-oxo-2-thien-2-ylacetamide     (Intermediate I-2) -   N-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-oxo-2-thien-2-ylacetamide     (Intermediate I-3)

Preparation of N-[(3R)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-yl-acetamide EXAMPLE 4

A solution of 2-thienylmagnesium bromide was prepared from 2.27 g (0.094 mol) of magnesium and 15.4 g (0.094 mol) of 2-bromothiophene in 150 ml of THF. This solution was added to a solution of 11.34 g (0.043 mol) of N-[(3R)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-oxo-2-thien-2-ylacetamide (Intermediate I-1) in 120 ml of THF. The mixture was stirred at room temperature for one hour, refluxed for one hour, cooled and treated with a saturated solution of ammonium chloride. The solution obtained was basified with a K₂CO₃ solution and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layer was washed with water and brine, dried over Na₂SO₄ and treated with activated carbon. The solution obtained was filtered trough Celite and solvents were evaporated to give a solid that was treated with ether and filtered to give 8.77 (58.5%) of the title product. .

m. p.: 169° C.

MS [M+1]⁺: 349

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.30 (m, 1H), 1.42-1.75 (m, 3H), 1.77 (m, 1H), 2.50-2.75 (m, 4H), 2.83 (m, 1H), 3.05 (m, 1H), 3.74 (m, 1H), 6.95 (m, 2H), 7.03 (m, 1H), 7.09 (m, 1H), 7.43 (m, 2H), 7.54 (s,1H, OH), 7.97 (d, 1H, NH).

The following Examples of formula (I) were prepared according to method (c) using N-[(3R)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-oxo-2-thien-2-ylacetamide (Intermediate I-1) and the corresponding Grignard reagent:

-   N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylpent4-enamide     (Example 20). -   (2*)-N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylbutanamide     (diastereomer 1, Example 21) and -   (2*)-N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylbutanamide     (diastereomer 2, Example 22) the two diastereomers were separated by     column chromatography (silica gel, CHCl₃/MeOH/NH₄OH 90:10:1 as     eluent). Diastereomer 1: first diastereomer obtained, Diastereomer     2: second distereomer obtained. -   (2*)-N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylbut-3-enamide     (diastereomer 1, Example 23) and -   (2*)-N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylbut-3-enamide     (diastereomer 2, Example 24) the two diastereomers were separated by     column chromatography (silica gel, CHCl₃/MeOH/NH₄OH 90:10:1 as     eluent). Diastereomer 1: first diastereomer obtained, Diastereomer     2: second distereomer obtained.

(*) Configuration not assigned.

The following compounds of formula (I) were also prepared according to method (c)

-   N-[(3S)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetamide     (Example 15) prepared from Intermediate I-2 and 2-thienyllithium     (commercially available). -   N-(1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl)-2-hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetamide     (Example 1) prepared from Intermediate I-3 and 2-thienyllithium.

Preparation of N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-(5-bromothien-2-yl)-2-(4-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)-2-hydroxyacetamide (Example 48)

Oxalyl chloride (1.16 ml, 0.013 mol) was added to a suspension of 2-(5bromothien-2-yl)-2-oxoacetic acid (2.6 g, 0.011 mol) and two drops of DMF in 30 ml of CHCl₃ (ethanol free) cooled to 0° C. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature under stirring. After 1.5 hours the reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness in vacuo and the obtained residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (15 ml) and concentrated again. This procedure was repeated two times. The obtained residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (30 ml), the solution was cooled to 0° C and 1.67 g (0.013 mol) of (3R)-aminoquinuclidine were added. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and continued stirring during 3 hours. After this time the reaction mixture was treated with K₂CO₃ (saturated solution) and the aqueous layer was extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layers were combined, washed with water, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and evaporated. The obtained product (N-[(3R)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-(5-bromothien-2-yl)-2-oxoacetamide) was used without further purification as is described as follows. The obtained product was dissolved in dry THF (45 ml). The solution obtained was cooled to −80° C. and 14.4 ml of a 1M solution in THF of 4-fluoro-3-methylphenylmagnesium bromide (0.014 mol) were added. The mixture was stirred during 3 hours at low temperature. After this time, the reaction mixture was treated with NH₄Cl (saturated solution) and extracted with AcOEt. The organic layer was dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and solvents were evaporated. The obtained product was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, CHCl₃:MeOH:NH₄OH 99:1:1→CHCl₃:MeOH:NH₄OH 96:4:1) to yield 2.1 g of the title compound (42% from the starting acid) as a mixture of diastereomers.

MS [M+1]⁺: 453, 455

¹H-RMN (CDCl₃): (mixture of diastereomers) δ 7.35-7.20 (m, 2H), 7.08-6.89 (m, 3H), 6.80 (dd, 1H), 3.93-3.84 (m, 1H), 3.18-3.07 (m, 1H), 2.69-2.58 (m, 4H), 2.33-2.22 (m, 4H), 1.92-1.87 (m, 1H), 1.63-1.42 (m, 4H)

2-(5-bromothien-2-yl)-2-oxoacetic acid was obtained by hydrolysis of ethyl 2-(5-bromothien-2-yl)-2-oxoacetate by a standard method (EtOH, NaOH 2N, 60° C., 1.5 h).

Preparation of N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-fur-2-yl-2-hydroxypent-3-ynamide EXAMPLE 45

To a suspension cooled to 0° C. of 1.72 g (0.012 mol) of 2-fur-2-yl-2-oxoacetic acid and two drops of DMF in 40 ml of CHCl₃ (ethanol free), 1.17 ml (0.013 mol) of oxalyl chloride were added. The resulting mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature under stirring and continued stirring during 1 hour. After this time, the mixture was concentrated to dryness in vacuo and the obtained residue was dissolved in CHCl₃ (20 ml) and concentrated again. This procedure was repeated two times. The obtained product was dissolved in CHCl₃ (50 ml), the solution was cooled to 0° C. and 1.7 g (0.013 mol) of (3R)-aminoquinuclidine were added. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and continued stirring during 16 hours. After this time the reaction mixture was treated with K₂CO₃ (saturated solution) and the aqueous layer was extracted with CH₂Cl₂. The organic layers were combined, washed with water, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and evaporated. The obtained product (N-[(3R)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-(2-furyl)-2-oxoacetamide) was used without further purification as is described as follows. This product was dissolved in dry THF (50 ml). The solution obtained was cooled to −0° C. and 28 ml of a 0.5 M solution in THF of 1-propynylmagnesium bromide (0.014 mol) were added. The mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature during 3 hours. After this time, the reaction mixture was treated with NH₄Cl (saturated solution) and extracted with AcOEt and CH₂Cl₂. The organic layers were combined, dried over Na₂SO₄, filtered and solvents were evaporated. The obtained product was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, CHCl₃:MeOH:NH₄OH 97:3:1→CHCl₃:MeOH:NH₄OH 94:6:1 as eluent) to yield 1.38 g of the title compound (39% from the starting acid) as a mixture of diastereomers.

MS [M+1]⁺: 289

¹H-RMN (CDCl₃): (mixture of diastereomers) δ 7.36-7.35 (m, ₁H), 6.87-6.76 (m, NH, 1H), 6.54-6.52 (m, 1H), 6.34-6.32 (m, 1H), 3.92 (m, 1H), 3.29-3.17 (m, 1H), 2.78-2.64 (m, 4H), 2.47-2.35 (m, 1H), 2.00-1.90 (m, 1H), 1.92 (s, 3H), 1.70-1.39 (m, 4H).

Preparation of N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-fur-2-yl-2-hydroxy-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butanamide EXAMPLE 46

This product was prepared according to the procedure described in Example 45, starting from 2 g (0.014 mol) of 2-fur-2-yl-2-oxoacetic acid, and using 4-methoxyphenethylmagnesium chloride (0.021 mol, 43 ml of a 0.5 M solution in THF) as Grignard reagent. The obtained product was purified by column chromatography (silica gel, CHCl₃:MeOH:NH₄OH 99:1:1→CHCl₃:MeOH:NH₄OH 97:3:1 as eluent) to yield 2.4 g of the title compound (44% from the starting acid) as a mixture of diastereomers.

MS [M+1]⁺: 385

¹H-RMN (CDCl₃): (mixture of diastereomers) δ 7.39-7.38 (m, 1H), 7.09 (d, 2H), 6.82 (d, 2H), 6.70-6.67 (m, NH, 1H), 6.41-6.35 (m, 2H), 3.92 (m, 1H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.33-3.24 (m, 1H), 2.82-2.19 (m, 9H), 1.96-1.87 (m, 1H), 1.67-1.40 (m, 4H)

Method (d)

Preparation of (3R)-1-(3-phenoxypropyl)-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide EXAMPLE 32

0.3 g (0.00089 mol) of N-[(3R)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-9H-xanthene-9-carboxamide (Example 31) were dissolved in 6 ml of THF. To this solution 0.21 ml (0.287 g, 0.001335 mol) of (3-bromopropoxy)benzene were added. The mixture was refluxed during 4 hours and then stirred 17 h at room temperature. The reaction mixture was filtered and the solid obtained washed with ether several times and dried. 0.48 g (98%) of the title product were obtained.

m.p.: 278.5-279.2° C.

MS [M-Br]⁺: 469

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.80-2.0 (m, 3H), 2.05-2.30 (m, 4H), 3.15-3.25 (m, 1H), 3.30-3.65 (m, 6H), 3.82 (m, 1H), 4.05 (t, 2H), 4.10 (m, 1H), 5.05 (s, 1H), 6.90-7.0 (m, 3H), 7.05-7.20 (m, 4H), 7.25-7.42 (m, 6H), 9.01 (d, 1H, NH).

Preparation of 3-{[(9-hydroxy-9H-fluoren-9-yl)carbonyl]amino}-1-methyl-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide EXAMPLE 42

0.245 g (0.00073 mol) of N-(1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl)-9-hydroxy-9H-fluorene-9-carboxamide (Example 41) were dissolved in 4 ml of acetonitrile and 6 ml of CHCl₃. To this solution 5.46 ml of a 1 M solution of methyl bromide in acetonitrile were added and the mixture was stirred for 96 h at room temperature under N₂ atmosphere. After this time the solvents were evaporated. The residue was coevaporated with ether three times. Ether was added to the residue and the mixture stirred. The solid obtained was filtered and washed several times with ether. The yield was 0.26 g (83.8%) of the title compound.

m.p.: 197.5-203.6° C.

MS [M-Br]⁺: 349

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.80-2.0 (m, 3H), 2.10-2.25 (m, 2H), 2.96 (s, 3H), 3.35-3.70 (m, 5H), 3.78 (m, 1H), 4.15 (m, 1H), 6.82 (s, 1H, OH), 7.30 (m, 2H), 7.43 (m, 4H), 7.79 (m, 2H), 8.81 (d, 1H, NH).

Method (e)

Preparation of (3S)-1-cyclohexylmethyl-3-[(9H -xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate EXAMPLE 36

28.15 mg (0.0842 mmol) of N-[(3S)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-9H-xanthene-9-carboxamide (Example 33) were dissolved in 0.5 ml of DMSO. A solution of 74.37 mg (0.421 mmol) of (bromomethyl)cyclohexane in 0.5 ml of DMSO was added and the mixture stirred at room temperature overnight. The mixture was purified by solid phase extraction with a cation exchange Mega Bond Elut cartridge, previously conditioned at pH=7.5 with 0.1 M NaH₂PO₄ buffer. The reaction mixture was applied to the cartridge and washed first with 2 ml of DMSO and then three times with 5 ml of acetonitrile, rinsing away all starting materials. The ammonium derivative was eluted with 5 ml of 0.03 M TFA solution in CH₃CN:CHCl₃ (2:1). This solution was neutralized with 300 mg of poly(4-vinylpyridine), filtered and evaporated to dryness. The yield was 12.4 mg of the title product. (27.0%).

[M-CF₃COO]⁺: 431

Preparation of (3R)-3-(2-hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-]3-(3-hydroxyphenoxy)propyl]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate EXAMPLE 12

The title compound was prepared as described for Example 36 from 30 mg (0.0861 mmol) of N-[(3R)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetamide (Example 4) (dissolved in 0.5 ml of DMSO) and 78 mg (0.418 mmol) of 3-(3-chloropropoxy)phenol (dissolved in 0.5 ml of DMSO). The yield was 12.7 mg of the title product. (24%).

[M-CF₃COO]⁺: 499

Also included within the scope of the present invention are pharmaceutical compositions which comprise, as the active ingredient, at least one quinuclidine amide derivative of formulae (I) or (II) in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent. Preferably the composition is made up in a form suitable for oral administration.

The pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluents which are mixed with the active compound or compounds, to form the composition of this invention are well-known per se and the actual excipients used depend inter alia on the intended method of administration of the composition.

Compositions of this invention are preferably adapted for oral administration. In this case, the composition for oral administration may take the form of tablets, film-coated tablets, liquid inhalant, powder inhalant and inhalation aerosol; all containing one or more compounds of the invention; such preparations may be made by methods well-known in the art.

The diluents which may be used in the preparations of the compositions include those liquid and solid diluents which are compatible with the active ingredient, together with colouring or flavouring agents, if desired. Tablets or film-coated tablets may conveniently contain between 1 and 500 mg, preferably from 5 to 300 mg of active ingredient. The inhalant compositions may contain between 1 μg and 1,000 μg, preferably from 10 μg to 800 μg of active ingredient. In human therapy, the dose of the compound of formulae (I) or (II) depend on the desired effect and duration of treatment; adult doses are generally between 3 mg and 300 mg per day as tablets and 10 μg and 800 μg per day as inhalant composition.

Pharmacological Action

The results on human muscarinic receptors binding and in the test on bronchospasm in guinea pig, were obtained as described below.

Human Muscarinic Receptor Studies.

The binding of [3H]-NMS to human muscarinic receptors was performed according to Waelbroeck et al (1990), Mol. Pharmacol., 38: 267-273. Assays were carried out at 25° C. Membrane preparations from stably transfected chinese hamster ovary-K1 cells (CHO) expressing the genes for the human M3 muscarinic receptors were used.

For determination of IC₅₀, membrane preparations were suspended in DPBS to a final concentration of 89 μg/ml for the M3 subtype. The membrane suspension was incubated with the tritiated compound for 60 min. After incubation the membrane fraction was separated by filtration and the bound radioactivity determined. Non-specific binding was determined by addition of 10⁻⁴ M atropine. At least six concentrations were assayed in duplicate to generate individual displacement curves.

Our results show that the compounds of the present invention have high affinities for M3 muscarinic receptors, preferably human muscarinic receptors. Thus, the IC₅₀ of the preferred compounds of the invention is lower than 100 nM. Most preferred compounds, such as the compounds of examples 1, 3, 4, 8, 10, 11, 14, 19, 30 and 32 described below, have an IC₅₀ lower than 60 nM.

Test on Bronchospasm in Guinea Pig

The studies were performed according to H. Konzett and F. Rössler (1940), Arch. Exp. Path. Pharmacol. 195: 71-74. Aqueous solutions of the agents to be tested were nebulized and inhaled by anaesthetized ventilated male guinea pigs (Dunkin-Hartley). Bronchial response to intravenous acetylcholine challenge was determined before and after drug administration and the changes in pulmonary resistance at several time-points were expressed as percent of inhibition of bronchospasm.

The compounds of the present invention inhibited the bronchospasm response to acetylcholine with high potency and a long duration of action.

From the above described results one of ordinary skill in the art can readily understand that the compounds of the present invention have excellent M3 antimuscarinic activity and thus are useful for the treatment of diseases in which the M3 muscarinic receptor is implicated, including respiratory disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, bronchial hyperreactivity, asthma, cough and rhinitis; urological disorders such as urinary incontinence, pollakiuria, neurogenic or unstable bladder, cystospasm and chronic cystitis; gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, spastic colitis, diverticulitis and peptic ulceration; and cardiovascular disorders such as vagally induced sinus bradycardia.

The present invention further provides a compound of formulae (I) or (II) or a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising a compound of formulae (I) or (II) for use in a method of treatment of the human or animal body by therapy, in particular for the treatment of respiratory, urological or gastrointestinal disease or disorder.

The present invention further provides the use of a compound of formulae (I) or (II) or a pharmaceutically acceptable composition comprising a compound of formulae (I) or (II) for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a respiratory, urological or gastrointestinal disease or disorder.

Further, the compounds of formulae (I) or (II) and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formulae (I) or (II) can be used in a method of treating a respiratory, urological or gastrointestinal disease or disorder, which method comprises administering to a human or animal patient in need of such treatment an effective, non-toxic, amount of a compound of formulae (I) or (II) or a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formulae (I) or (II).

Further, the compounds of formulae (I) or (II) and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of formulae (I) or (II) can be used in combination with other drugs effective in the treatment of these diseases. For example with β₂ agonists, steroids, antiallergic drugs, phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors and/or-leukotriene D4 (LTD4) inhibitors, for simultaneous, separate or sequential use in the treatment of a respiratory disease.

The present invention will be further illustrated by the following examples. The examples are given by way of illustration only and are not to be construed as a limiting.

EXAMPLE 1 N-(1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl)-2-hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetamide

The title compound was synthesised according to method c. The yield was 0.67 9, 15.2%.

m.p.: 185° C.

MS [M+1]⁺: 349.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.30 (m,₁H), 1.40-1.75 (m, 3H), 1.77 (m, 1H), 2.50-2.75 (m, 4H), 2.83 (m, 1H), 3.05 (m, 1H), 3.74 (m, 1H), 6.94 (m, 2H), 7.04 (m, 1H), 7.10 (m, 1H), 7.43 (m, 2H), 7.53 (s, 1H, OH), 7.95 (d, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 2 3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-methyl-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide

The title compound was synthesised according to methods c and d. The yield of the final step was 0.16 g, 68%.

MS [M-Br]⁺: 363.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.76 (m, 1H), 1.85-2.08 (m, 3H), 2.14 (m,₁ H), 2.92 (s, 3H), 3.30-3.60 (m, 5H), 3.75 (m, 1H), 4.20 (s, 1H), 7.0 (m, 2H), 7.06 (m, 1H), 7.12 (m, 1H), 7.46 (m, 2H), 7.65 (s, 1H, OH), 8.64 (d, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 3 3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-3-phenoxypropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide

The title compound was synthesised according to methods c and d. The yield of the final step was 0.24 g, 82.7%.

m.p.:180.6-188.3° C.

MS [M-Br]⁺: 483.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.78 (m,₁H), 1.90-2.25 (m, 6H), 3.30-3.65 (m, 7H), 3.67-3.80 (m, 1H), 4.05 (t, 2H), 4.24 (m, ₁H), 6.94-7.0 (m, 5H), 7.07 (m, 1H), 7.13 (m, 2H), 7.47 (m, 2H), 7.66 (s, 1H, OH), 8.74 (d, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 4 N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2,2dithien-2-ylacetamide

The title compound was synthesised according to method c. The yield was 8.77 g, 58.5%.

m.p.: 169° C.

MS [M+1]⁺: 349.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆ ): δ 1.30 (m, 1H), 1.42-1.75 (m, 3H), 1.77 (m, 1H), 2.50-2.75 (m, 4H), 2.83 (m, ₁H), 3.05 (m, 1H), 3.74 (m, 1H), 6.95 (m, 2H), 7.03 (m, 1H), 7.09 (m, 1H), 7.43 (m, 2H), 7.54 (s, 1H, OH), 7.97 (d, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 5 (3R)-3-2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-methyl-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate

The title compound was synthesised according to methods c and e. The yield of the final step was 0.0124 g, 30.2%.

MS [M-CF₃COO]⁺: 363.

EXAMPLE 6 (3R)-1-Allyl-3-(2-hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate

The title compound was synthesised according to methods c and e. The yield of the final step was0.010g, 23.1%.

MS [M-CF₃COO]⁺: 389.

EXAMPLE 7 (3R)-1-Heptyl-3-(2-hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate

The title compound was synthesised according to methods c and e. The yield of the final step was 0.0118 9, 24.4%.

MS [M-CF₃COO]⁺: 447.

EXAMPLE 8 (3R)-3-2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(3-phenylpropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide

The title compound was synthesised according to methods c and d. The yield of the final step was 0.49 g, 78%.

m.p.: 117.3-118.9° C.

MS [M-Br]⁺: 467

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.75 (m,1H), 1.80-2.05 (m, 5H), 2.09 (m, 1H), 2.60 (m, 2H), 3.16 (m, 2H), 3.25-3.60 (m, 5H), 3.68 (m, 1H), 4.21 (m, 1H), 6.96 (m, 2H), 7.04 (m, 1H), 7.11 (m, 1H), 7.20-7.40 (m, 5H), 7.45 (m, 2H), 7.62 (s, 1H, OH), 8.70 (d, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 9 (3R)-3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-((E)-3-phenylallyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate

The title compound was synthesised according to methods c and e. The yield of the final step was 0.0032 g, 6.4%.

[M-CF₃COO]⁺: 465.

EXAMPLE 10 (3R)-3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(2-phenoxyethyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide

The title compound was synthesised according to methods c and d. The yield of the final step was 0.470 g, 74%.

m.p.: 112.6-113.9° C.

MS [M-Br]⁺: 469

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.77 (m, 1H), 1.90-2.15 (m, 4H), 3.40-3.80 (m, 7H), 3.86 (m, 1H), 4.24 (m, 1H), 4.43 (m, 2H), 6.95-7.0 (m, 5H), 7.04 (m, 1H), 7.11 (m, 1H), 7.35 (m, 2H), 7.46 (m, 2H), 7.66 (s, 1H, OH), 8.72 (d, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 11 (3R)-3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(3-phenoxypropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide

The title compound was synthesised according to methods c and d. The yield of the final step was 0.65 9, 80%.

m.p.: 182° C.

MS [M-Br]⁺: 483

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.76 (m, 1H), 1.85-2.25 (m, 6H), 3.25-3.65 (m, 7H), 3.65-3.82 (m, 1H), 4.05 (t, 2H), 4.23 (m, 1H), 6.90-7.0 (m, 5H), 7.04 (m, 1H), 7.11 (m, 1H), 7.31 (m, 2H), 7.45 (m, 2H), 7.65 (s, 1H, OH), 8.73 (d, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 12 (3R)-3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-[3-(3-hydroxyphenoxy)propyl]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate

The title compound was synthesised according to methods c and e. The yield of the final step was 0.0127 9, 24.0%.

[M-CF₃COO]⁺: 499.

EXAMPLE 13 (3R)-1-(2-Benzyloxyethyl)-3-(2-hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate

The title compound was synthesised according to methods c and e. The yield of the final step was 0.0146 9, 28.4%.

[M-CF₃COO]⁺: 483.

EXAMPLE 14 (3R)-3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(3-thien-2-ylpropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide

The title compound was synthesised according to methods c and d. The yield of the final step was 0.49 g, 77%.

m.p.: 111.1-113.2° C.

MS [M-Br]⁺: 473

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.75 (m, 1H), 1.85-2.15 (m, 6H), 2.84 (t, 2H), 3.17 (m, 2H), 3.25-3.45 (m, 3H), 3.45-3.62 (m, 2H), 3.70 (m, 1H), 4.21 (m, 1H), 6.90-7.0 (m, 4H), 7.05 (m, 1H), 7.11 (m, 1H), 7.38 (m, 1H), 7.45 (m, 2H), 7.65 (s, 1H, OH), 8.71 (d, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 15 N-((3S)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetamide

The title compound was synthesised according to method c. The yield was 0.44 g, 7.67%.

MS [M+1]⁺: 349.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 1.40-1.70 (m, 4H), 1.98 (m,₁ H), 2.40-2.47 (m, 1H), 2.60-2.85 (m, 4H), 3.24 (m, 1H), 3.97 (m, 1H), 6.91 (d, 1H), 7.01 (m, 2H), 7.15 (m, 2H), 7.33 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 16 (3S)-3-2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(3-phenoxypropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide

The title compound was synthesised according to methods c and d. The yield of the final step was 0.36 g, 70.6%.

m.p.: 172.8-173.9° C.

MS [M-Br]⁺: 483.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.78 (m,₁H), 1.85-2.25 (m, 6H), 3.25-3.65 (m, 7H), 3.70-3.82 (m, 1H), 4.04 (t, 2H), 4.24 (m, 1H), 6.90-7.0 (m, 5H), 7.06 (m, 1H), 7.12 (m, 1H), 7.31 (m, 2H), 7.45 (m, 2H), 7.65 (s, 1H, OH), 8.74 (d, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 17 N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetamide

The title compound was synthesised according to method b. The yield was 0.31 g, 17.3%.

m.p.: 165° C.

MS [M+1]⁺: 333. ¹H-NMR (CDCl₃): δ 1.43 (m, 2H), 1.63 (m, 2H), 1.92 (m, 1H), 2.4 (m, 1H), 2.65-2.85 (m, 4H), 3.31 (m, 1H), 3.97 (m, 1H), 5.37 (s, 1H), 5.98 (d, 1H, NH), 7.0 (m, 4H), 7.28 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 18 (3R)-3-(2,2-Dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(3-phenoxypropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide

The title compound was synthesised according to methods b and d. The yield of the final step was 0.21 g, 79.8%.

m.p.: 135.6-137.1° C.

MS [M-Br]⁺: 467.

¹H-NMR ( DMSO-d₆): δ 1.83 (m, 1H), 1.94 (m, 2H), 2.0-2.25 (m, 4H), 3.19 (m, 1H), 3.30-3.55 (m, 6H), 3.86 (m, 1H), 4.03 (t, 2H), 4.18 (m, 1H), 5.65 (s, 1H), 6.93-6.98 (m, 5H), 7.01-7.06 (m, 2H), 7.31 (m, 2H), 7.42 (m, 2H), 9.10 (d, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 19 N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetamide

The title compound was synthesised as a mixture of diastereomers according to method b. The yield was 0.12 g, 27.9%.

MS [M+1]⁺: 335.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): (mixture of diastereomers 50:50) δ 1.20-1.80 (m, 13H), 2.50-2.90 (m, 6H), 3.04 (m,1H), 3.69 (m, 1H), 5.98 & 6.01 (s, 1H, OH), 6.93 (m, 1 H), 7.08 (m, 1H), 7.35 (m, 1H), 7.59 (m, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 20 N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylpent4-enamide

The title compound was synthesised as a mixture of diastereomers according to method c. The yield was 1.92 g, 82.4%.

m.p.: 54.4-58.3° C.

MS [M+1]⁺: 307.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): (mixture of diastereomers) δ 1.25 (m, 1H), 1.40-1.75 (m, 4H), 2.45-2.70 (m, 5H), 2.70-3.10 (m, 3H), 3.65 (m, 1H), 5.0-5.10 (m, 2H), 5.60-5.80 (m, 1H), 6.50 & 6.52 (s, 1H, OH), 6.95 (m, 1H), 7.05 (m, 1H), 7.38 (m,₁H), 7.60 (d, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 21 (2*)-N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylbutanamide (diastereomer 1, 70:30)

The title compound was synthesised according to method c. The yield was 0.19 g, 34% (based on single isomer).

m.p.: 139.0-140.7° C.

MS [M+1]⁺: 295.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d6): (diastereomer 1, 70:30) δ 0.80 (t, 3H), 1.27 (m, 1H), 1.40-1.80 (m, 4H), 1.83 (m, 1H), 2.16 (m, 1H), 2.45-2.70 (m, 4H), 2.79 (m, 1H), 2.90-3.10 (m, 1H), 3.67 (m, 1H), 6.28 & 6.31 (s, 1H, OH), 6.94 (m, 1H), 7.03 (m, 1H), 7.36 (m, 1H), 7.62 (d, 1H, NH).

(*): Configuration not assigned.

EXAMPLE 22 (2*)-N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylbutanamide (diastereomer 2, 27:73)

The title compound was synthesised according to method c. The yield was 0.42 g, 75% (based on single isomer).

m.p.: 68.9-70.2° C.

MS [M+1]⁺: 295.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): (diastereomer 2, 27:73) δ 0.82 (t, 3H), 1.26 (m, 1H), 1.40-1.80 (m, 4H), 1.86 (m, 1H), 2.17 (m, 1H), 2.45-2.70 (m, 4H), 2.78 (m, 1H), 2.90-3.10 (m, 1H), 3.67 (m,1H), 6.29 & 6.32 (s, 1H, OH), 6.93 (m, 1H), 7.03 (m, 1H), 7.36 (m,1H), 7.62 (d, 1H, NH).

(*): Configuration not assigned.

EXAMPLE 23 (2*)-N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylbut-3-enamide (diastereomer 1)

The title compound was synthesised according to method c. The yield was 0.21 g, 18.9 % (based on single isomer).

m.p.: 171.7-173.2° C.

MS [M+1]⁺: 293.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): (diastereomer 1) δ 1.27 (m, 1H), 1.40-1.75 (m, 4H), 2.50-2.70 (m, 4H), 2.77 (m, 1H), 3.0 (m, 1H), 3.66 (m. 1H), 5.18 (d,1H), 5.38 (d, 1H), 6.41 (dd, 1H), 6.71 (s, 1H, OH), 6.95 (m, 1H), 7.02 (m, 1H), 7.41 (m, 1H), 7.70 (d, 1H, NH).

(*): Configuration not assigned.

EXAMPLE 24 (2*)-N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylbut-3-enamide (diastereomer 2)

The title compound was synthesised according to method c. The yield was 0.21 g, 18.9 % (based on single isomer)

m.p.: 53.8-55.0° C.

MS [M+1]⁺: 293.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): (diastereomer 2) δ 1.27 (m, 1H), 1.40-1.75 (m, 4H), 2.50-2.70 (m, 4H), 2.81 (m, 1H), 3.03 (m, 1H), 3.69 (m, 1H), 5.21 (d, 1H), 5.40 (d, 1H), 6.45 (dd, 1H), 6.74 (s, 1H, OH), 6.96 (m, 1H), 7.01 (m, 1H), 7.41 (m, 1H), 7.72 (d, 1H, NH).

(*): Configuration not assigned.

EXAMPLE 25 N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2,3diphenylpropanamide

The title compound was synthesised as a mixture of diastereomers according to method a. The yield was 1.21 g, 82.3 %.

m.p.: 142° C.

MS [M+1]⁺: 335.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): (mixture of diastereomers) δ 0.95-1.30 (m, 2H), 1.35-1.50 (m, 2H), 1.52 (m, 1H), 2.14-2.27 (m, 1H), 2.50-2.65 (m, 4H), 2.81-2.96 (m, 2H), 3.24-3.32 (m, 1H), 3.56 (m, 1H), 3.78-3.89 (m, 1H), 7.10-7.45 (m, 10H), 8.13 (m, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 26 N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetamide

The title compound was synthesised as a mixture of diastereomers according to method b. The yield was 0.25 g, 28.4 %.

m.p.: 69.8-73.3° C.

MS [M+1]⁺: 329.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-de): (mixture of diastereomers) δ 1.25 (m, 3H), 1.35-1.75 (m, 10H), 2.40-2.70 (m, 4H), 2.76 (m, 1H), 2.90-3.10 (m, 2H), 3.62 (m, 1H), 5.60 & 5.62 (s, 1H, OH), 7.20-7.23 (m, 1H), 7.27-7.33 (m, 2H), 7.52-7.61 (m, 3H).

EXAMPLE 27 N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-phenylhexanamide

The title compound was synthesised as a mixture of diastereomers according to method a. The yield was 1.59 g, 63.1 %.

m.p.: 136° C.

MS [M+1]⁺: 301.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d,): (mixture of diastereomers 50:50) δ 0.84 (t, 3H), 1.10-1.60 (m, 9H), 1.70 (m, 1H), 1.90 (m, 1H), 2.25-2.50 (m, 1H), 2.50-2.80 (m, 4H), 2.94 & 3.05 (m, 1H), 3.50 (m, 1H), 3.65 (m, 1H), 7.15-7.40 (m, 5H), 8.04 (m, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 28 N-(1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl)-9H-xanthene-9-carboxamide

The title compound was synthesised according to method b. The yield was 0.28 g, 19 %.

m.p.: 251° C.

MS [M+1]⁺: 335.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆ ): δ 1.25-1.60 (m, 3H), 1.67 (m, 1H), 1.82 (m, 1H), 2.40-2.50 (m, 1H), 2.55-2.75 (m, 3H), 2.82 (m, 1H), 3.06 (m,₁ H), 3.62 (m,₁H), 5.0 (s, 1H), 7.05-7.15 (m, 4H), 7.25-7.35 (m, 4H), 8.51 (d, 1H, NH).

The title compound was also synthesised according to method a. The yield was 2.11 g, 52.6%.

EXAMPLE 29 1-Methyl-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide

The title compound was synthesised according to methods a and d. The yield of the final step was 0.25 g, 77.6%.

m.p.: 318° C.

MS [M-Br]⁺: 349.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.80-2.0 (m, 3H), 2.10 (m, 1H), 2.22 (m, 1H), 2.95 (s, 3H), 3.10-3.20 (m, 1H), 3.30-3.50 (m, 4H), 3.80 (m, 1H), 4.05 (m, 1H), 5.06 (s, 1H), 7.08-7.16 (m, 4H), 7.28-7.35 (m, 4H), 8.98 (d, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 30 1-(3-Phenoxypropyl)-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide

The title compound was synthesised according to methods a and d. The yield of the final step was 0.44 g, 100%.

m.p.: 242° C.

MS [M-Br]⁺: 469.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆ ): δ 1.80-2.0 (m, 3H), 2.05-2.30 (m, 4H), 3.25-3.70 (m, 7H), 3.82 (m, 1H), 4.05 (t, 2H), 4.10 (m, 1H), 5.15 (s, 1H), 6.90-7.0 (m, 3H), 7.05-7.20 (m, 4H), 7.25-7.42 (m, 6H), 9.16 (d, 1H. NH).

EXAMPLE 31 N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-9H-xanthene-9-carboxamide

The title compound was synthesised according to method a. The yield was 1.03 g, 43.4%.

m.p.: 239.7-241.4° C.

MS [M+1]⁺: 335.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.25-1.60 (m, 3H), 1.66 (m, 1H), 1.82 (m, 1H), 2.42-2.50 (m, 1H), 2.55-2.75 (m, 3H), 2.85 (m, 1H), 3.05 (m, 1H), 3.60 (m, 1H), 5.0 (s, 1H), 7.05-7.15 (m, 4H), 7.25-7.35 (m, 4H), 8.52 (d, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 32 (3R)-1-(3-Phenoxypropyl)-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide

The title compound was synthesised according to methods a and d. The yield of the final step was 0.48 g, 98%.

m.p.: 278.5-279.2° C.

MS [M-Br]⁺: 469.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.80-2.0 (m, 3H), 2.05-2.30 (m, 4H), 3.15-3.25 (m, 1H), 3.30-3.65 (m, 6H), 3.82 (m, 1H), 4.05 (t, 2H), 4.10 (m, 1H), 5.05 (s, 1H), 6.90-7.0 (m, 3H), 7.05-7.20 (m, 4H), 7.25-7.42 (m, 6H), 9.01 (d, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 33 N-[(3S)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-9H-xanthene-9-carboxamide

The title compound was synthesised according to method a. The yield was 1.1 g, 60%.

m.p.: 244.2-244.9° C.

MS [M+1]⁺: 335.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.25-1.60 (m, 3H), 1.66 (m, 1H), 1.82 (m, 1H), 2.42-2.50 (m, 1H), 2.55-2.75 (m, 3H), 2.83 (m, 1H), 3.05 (m, 1H), 3.60 (m, 1H), 5.0 (s, 1H), 7.05-7.15 (m, 4H), 7.25-7.35 (m, 4H), 8.53 (d, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 34 (3S)-1-Allyl-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate

The title compound was synthesised according to methods a and e. The yield of the final step was 0.0091 g, 22.1%.

MS [M-CF₃COO]⁺: 375.

EXAMPLE 35 (3S)-1-Heptyl-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate

The title compound was synthesised according to methods a and e. The yield of the final step was 0.0097 g. 21.0%.

MS [M-CF₃COO]⁺: 433.

EXAMPLE 36 (3S)-1-Cyclohexylmethyl-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate

The title compound was synthesised according to methods a and e. The yield of the final step was 0.0124 g, 27.0 %.

MS [M-CF₃COO]⁺: 431.

EXAMPLE 37 (3S)-1-(3-Cyclohexylpropyl)-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate

The title compound was synthesised according to methods a and e. The yield of the final step was 0.0045 g, 9.3%.

MS [M-CF₃COO]⁺: 459.

EXAMPLE 38

(3S)-1-(3-Phenoxypropyl)-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide

The title compound was synthesised according to methods a and d. The yield of the final step was 0.28 g, 85%.

m.p.: 279.0-280.4° C.

MS [M-Br]⁺: 469.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.80-2.0 (m, 3H), 2.05-2.30 (m, 4H), 3.20-3.30 (m, 1H), 3.30-3.65 (m, 6H), 3.82 (m, 1H), 4.05 (t, 2H), 4.11 (m, 1H), 5.10 (s, 1H), 6.90-7.0 (m, 3H), 7.05-7.20 (m, 4H), 7.25-7.42 (m, 6H), 9.10 (d, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 39 (3S)-1-[3-(5,6,7,8-Tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy)propyl]-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate

The title compound was synthesised according to methods a and e. The yield of the final step was 0.0114 g, 21.2%.

MS [M-CF₃COO]⁺: 523.

EXAMPLE 40 (3S)-1-[5-2,6-Dimethylphenoxy)pentyl]-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate

The title compound was synthesised according to methods a and e. The yield of the final step was 0.0101 g, 18.7%.

MS [M-CF₃COO]⁺: 525.

EXAMPLE 41 N-(1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl)-9-hydroxy-9H-fluorene-9-carboxamide

The title compound was synthesised according to method b. The yield was 1.06 g, 17.6%.

m.p.: 230° C.

MS [M+1]⁺: 335.

¹H-NMR ( CDCl₃): δ 1.0-1.30 (m, 2H), 1.52 (m, 2H), 1.79 (m, 1H), 2.04 (m, 1H), 2.36 (m, 1H), 2.57 (m, 3H), 3.05 (m, 1H), 3.77 (m, 1H), 5.45 (bs, 1H), 5.71 (d, 1H, NH), 7.20-7.50 (m, 6H), 7.55-7.70 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 42 3-{[(9-Hydroxy-9H-fluoren-9-yl)carbonyl]amino}-1-methyl-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide

The title compound was synthesised according to methods b and d. The yield of the final step was 0.26 g, 83.8%.

m.p.: 197.5-203.6° C.

MS [M-Br]⁺: 349.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.80-2.0 (m, 3H), 2.10-2.25 (m, 2H), 2.96 (s, 3H), 3.35-3.70 (m, 5H), 3.78 (m, 1H), 4.15 (m, 1H), 6.82 (s, 1H, OH), 7.30 (m, 2H), 7.43 (m, 4H), 7.79 (m, 2H), 8.81 (d, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 43 3-{[(9-Hydroxy-9H-fluoren-9-yl)carbonyl]amino}-1-(3-phenoxypropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide

The title compound was synthesised according to methods b and d. The yield of the final step was 0.35 g, 87.5%.

m.p.: 264° C.

MS [M-Br]⁺: 469.

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 1.80-2.0 (m, 3H), 2.10-2.30 (m, 4H), 3.30-3.55 (m, 5H), 3.67 (m, 2H), 3.79 (m, 1H), 4.08 (t, 2H), 4.20 (m, 1H), 6.82 (s, 1H, OH), 6.97 (m, 3H), 7.32 (m, 4H), 7.43 (m, 4H), 7.79 (m, 2H), 8.88 (d, 1H, NH).

EXAMPLE 44 N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-9-hydroxy-9H-fluorene-9-carboxamide

The title compound was synthesized according to method b. The yield was 0.304 g, 4%.

MS [M+1]⁺: 335

¹H-RMN (CDCl₃): δ 7.67-7.62 (m, 2H), 7.42-7.36 (m, 4H), 7.32-7.25 (m, 2H), 6.08-5.93 (m, NH, 1H), 3.74 (m, 1H), 3.00-2.87 (m, 1H), 2.52-2.27 (m, 4H), 2.02-1.92 (m, 1H) 1.80-1.76 (m, 1H), 1.51-1.44 (m, 2H), 1.26-1.17 (m, 2H).

EXAMPLE 45 N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-fur-2-yl-2-hydroxypent-3-ynamide

The title compound was synthesized as a mixture of diastereomers according to method c. The yield was 1.38 g, 39%

MS [M+1]⁺: 289

¹H-RMN (CDCl₃): (mixture of diastereomers) δ 7.36-7.35 (m, 1H), 6.87-6.76 (m, NH, 1H), 6.54-6.52 (m, 1H), 6.34-6.32 (m, 1H), 3.92 (m, 1H), 3.29-3.17 (m, 1H), 2.78-2.64 (m, 4H), 2.47-2.35 (m, 1H), 2.00-1.90 (m, 1H), 1.92 (s, 3H), 1.70-1.39 (m, 4H).

EXAMPLE 46 N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-fur-2-yl-2-hydroxy4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butanamide

The title compound was prepared as a mixture of diastereomers according to method c. The yield was 2.4 g, 44%

MS [M+1]⁺: 385

¹H-RMN (CDCl₃): (mixture of diastereomers) δ 7.39-7.38 (m, 1H), 7.09 (d, 2H), 6.82 (d, 2H), 6.70-6.67 (m, NH, 1H), 6.41-6.35 (m, 2H), 3.92 (m, 1H), 3.78 (s, 3H), 3.33-3.24 (m, 1H), 2.82-2.19 (m, 9H), 1.96-1.87 (m, 1H), 1.67-1.40 (m, 4H)

EXAMPLE 47 N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-N-methyl-9H-xanthene-9-carboxamide

The title product was synthesized according to method a. The yield was 0.9 g, 50%.

MS [M+1]⁺: 349

¹H-RMN (400 MHz, 60° C., CDCl₃): δ 7.26-7.19 (m, 4H), 7.10-7.01 (m, 4H), 5.51 (s, 1H), 4.18 (broad multiplet, 1H), 2.92 (s, 3H), 2.85-2.40 (m, 6H), 1.85-1.20 (m, 5H)

EXAMPLE 48 N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-5-bromothien-2-yl)-2-(4-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)-2-hydroxyacetamide

The title compound was synthesized as a mixture of diastereomers according to method c. The yield was 2.1 g, 42%.

MS [M+1]⁺: 453. 455

¹H-RMN (CDCl₃): (mixture of diastereomers) δ 7.35-7.20 (m, 2H), 7.08-6.89 (m, 3H), 6.80 (dd, 1H), 3.93-3.84 (m, 1H), 3.18-3.07 (m, 1H), 2.69-2.58 (m, 4H), 2.33-2.22 (m, 4H), 1.92-1.87 (m, 1H), 1.63-1.42 (m, 4H)

EXAMPLE 49 (2S)-N-[(3R)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetamide

The title compound was synthesized according to method b. The yield was 0.650 g, 44%.

MS [M+1]⁺: 335 ¹H-RMN (CDCl₃): δ 7.24 (m, 1H), 7.08 (m, 1H), 6.97 (m, 1H), 6.64 (d, NH, 1H), 3.91-3.81 (m, 1H), 3.33-3.23 (m, 1H), 2.88-2.69 (m, 5H), 2.42-2.33 (m, 1H), 1.87 (m, 1H), 1.69-1.36 (m, 12H)

EXAMPLE 50 (3R)-1-[3-(Benzothiazol-2-yloxy)propyl]-3-(2-fur-2-yl-2-hydroxypent-3-ynoylamino)-1-azonia-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane chloride

The title compound was synthesized as a mixture of diastereomers according to methods c and d.

The reaction time for the final step (conditions:THF, reflux temperature) was 7 days. The obtained product was purified by several washings with ether. The yield was 0.337 g (75%).

MS [M-Cl]⁺: 480

HPLC: mixture of diastereomers 49:51

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): (mixture of diastereomers) δ 8.53-8.49 (m, NH, 1H), 7.69 (m, 1H), 7.58 (m, 1H), 7.53-7.39 (m, 2H), 7.26-7.19 (m, 2H), 6.43-6.38 (m, 2H), 4.20-4.14 (m, 1H), 4.05-3.99 (m, 2H), 3.76-3.65 (m, 1H), 3.60-3.20 (m, 7H), 2.20-1.87 (s,3H)

EXAMPLE 51 (3R)-3-(2-Fur-2-yl-2-hydroxypent-3-ynoylamino)-1-[3-(naphthalen-1-yloxy)propyl]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane chloride

The title compound was synthesized as a mixture of diastereomers according to methods c and d.

The reaction time for the final step (conditions, THF, reflux temperature) was 7 days. The obtained product was purified by several washings with ether. The yield was 0.252 g (57%).

MS [M-Cl]⁺: 473

HPLC: mixture of diastereomers 48:52 ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): (mixture of diastereomers) δ 8.62-8.58 (m, NH, 1H), 8.23 (m, 1H), 7.90-7.86 (m, 1H), 7.61-7.40 (m, 5H), 7.25 (m, 1H), 6.99 (m, 1H), 6.46-6.39 (m, 2H), 4.30-4.20 (m, 3H), 3.95-3.30 (m, 8H), 2.42-2.25 (m, 2H), 2.20-1.70 (m, 5H), 1.89 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 52 (3R)-1-[3-Benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yloxy)propyl]-3-(2-fur-2-yl-2-hydroxypent -3-ynoylamino)-1-azonia-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide

The title compound was synthesised as a mixture of diastereomers according to methods c and d.

The reaction time for the final step (conditions, THF, reflux temperature) was 2 days. The obtained product was purified by several washings with ether. The yield was 0.320 g (78%).

MS [M-Br]⁺: 467

HPLC: mixture of diastereomers 52:48

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): (mixture of diastereomers) δ 8.54-8.49 (m, NH, 1H), 7.60 (s, 1H), 7.21 (d, 1H), 6.82 (d, 1H), 6.65 (m, 1H), 6.45-6.36 (m, 3H), 5.96 (s, 2H), 4.26-4.15 (m, 1H), 4.00-3.95 (m, 2H), 3.82-3.70 (m, 1H), 3.61-3.28 (m, 7H), 2.15-1.74 (m, 7H), 1.89 (s, 3H).

EXAMPLE 53 (3R)-3-{[(2S)-2-Cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetyl]amino}-1-(4,4,4-trifluorobutyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide

The title compound was synthesised according to method d from Example 49. The reaction time (conditions, THF, reflux temperature) was 3 days. The obtained product was purified by several washings with ether. The yield was 0.183 g (77%).

MS [M-Br]⁺: 445

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 8.28 (d, NH, 1H), 7.38 (dd, 1H), 7.09 (dd, 1H), 6.94 (dd, 1H), 6.11 (s, OH, 1H), 4.21-4.12 (m,1H), 3.72 (m, 1H), 3.59-3.30 (m, 5H), 3.25-3.17 (m, 2H), 2.80 (m, 1H), 2.41-2.25 (m, 2H), 2.05-1.80 (m, 6H), 1.80-1.62 (m, 1H), 1.62-1.30 (m, 8H)

EXAMPLE 54 (3R)-3-{[(2S)-2-Cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetyl]amino}-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide

The title compound was synthesised according to method d from Example 49. The reaction time (conditions: THF, reflux temperature) was 5 days. The obtained product was purified by several washings with ether. The yield was 0.174 g (84%).

MS [M-Br]⁺: 379

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 8.24 (d, NH, 1H), 7.37 (dd,1H), 7.08 (dd, 1H), 6.94 (dd, 1H), 6.10 (s, OH, 1H), 5.27 (t, OH, 1H), 5.20-5.10 (m, 1H), 4.15 (m, 1H), 3.85-3.75 (m, 2H), 3.75-3.20 (m, 5H), 2.83-2.77 (m,1H), 2.00-1.85 (m, 4H), 1.77-1.66 (m, 1H), 1.53-1.41 (m, 8H)

EXAMPLE 55 (3R)-1-(4-Acetoxybutyl)-3-[2-(5-bromothien-2-yl)-2-(4-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)-2-hydroxyacetylamino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide

The title compound was synthesised as a mixture of diastereomers according to methods c and d. The reaction time for the final step (conditions: THF, reflux temperature) was 41 hours. The obtained product was purified by several washings with ether. The yield was 0.190 g (88%).

MS [M-Br]⁺: 569, 567

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): (mixture of diastereomers) δ 8.72 (d, NH, 1H), 7.45 (d,1H), 7.36-7.18 (m, 2H), 7.13-7.06 (m, 2H), 6.91 (t, 1H), 4.25-4.18 (m, 1H), 4.06-4.00 (m, 2H), 3.72-3.26 (m, 6H), 3.19-3.11 (m, 2H), 2.20 (s. 3H), 2.21-1.84 (m,₁H), 2.02 (s, 3H), 1.95-1.54 (m, 8H)

EXAMPLE 56 (3R)-3-[2-(5-Bromothien-2-yl)-2-(4-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)-2-hydroxyacetylamino]-1-(4-ethoxycarbonylbutyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide

The title compound was synthesised as a mixture of diastereomers according to methods c and d. The reaction time for the final step (conditions: THF, reflux temperature) was 46 hours. The obtained product was purified by several washings with ether. The yield was 0.201 g (92%).

MS [M-Br]⁺: 583, 581

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): (mixture of diastereomers) δ 8.72 (d, NH, 1H), 7.45 (d, 1H), 7.36-7.18 (m, 2H), 7.13-7.06 (m, 2H), 6.91 (t,₁ H), 4.26-4.16 (m, 1H), 4.06 (q, 2H), 3.65-3.30 (m, 6H), 3.18-3.09 (m, 2H), 2.40-2.32 (m, 2H), 2.20 (s, 3H), 2.08-1.48 (m, 9H), 1.18 (t, 3H)

EXAMPLE 57 (3R)-1-(3-Cyanopropyl)-3-[2-fur-2-yl-2-hydroxy-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyrylamino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide

The title compound was synthesised as a mixture of diastereomers according to methods c and d. The reaction time for the final step (conditions: THF, reflux temperature) was 3 days. The obtained product was purified by several washings with ether. The yield was 0.113 g (65%).

MS [M-Br]⁺: 452

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): (mixture of diastereomers) δ 8.49-8.40 (m, NH, 1H), 7.58 (s, 1H), 7.09 (d, 2H), 6.84 (d, 2H), 6.41-6.35 (m, 2H), 6.33 (d, 1H), 4.27-4.19 (m, 1H), 3.80-3.65 (m, 1H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 3.63-3.36 (m, 5H), 3.23-3.17 (m, 2H), 2.68-2.60 (m, 3H), 2.40-1.73 (m, 10H)

EXAMPLE 58 (3R)-1-(2-[1,3]Dioxolan-2-yl-ethyl)-3-[2-fur-2-yl-2-hydroxy-4-(4-methoxy phenyl)butyrylamino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide

The title compound was synthesised as a mixture of diastereomers according to methods c and d. The reaction time for the final step (conditions: THF, reflux temperature) was 3 days. The obtained product was purified by several washings with ether. The yield was 0.128 9 (70%).

MS [M-Br]⁺: 485

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): (mixture of diastereomers) δ 8.47-8.37 (m, NH, 1H), 7.58 (s, 1H), 7.09 (d, 2H), 6.84 (d, 2H), 6.40-6.35 (m, 2H), 6.32 (d, 1H), 4.94-4.90 (m, 1H), 4.21 (m, 1H), 3.96-3.77 (m, 4H), 3.71 (s, 3H), 3.59-3.21-(m, 7H), 2.72-2.61 (m, 1H), 2.41-1.74 (m, 10H).

EXAMPLE 59 (3R)-3-{[(9-Hydroxy-9H-fluoren-9-yl)carbonyl]amino}-1-[3-(methylphenylamino)propyl-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane chloride

The title compound was synthesised according to methods b and d. The reaction time for the final step (conditions: THF:CHCl₃ 1:1, reflux temperature) was 20 days. The obtained product was purified by washing with hot CHCl₃ and ether. The yield was 0.052 g (33%).

MS [M-Cl]⁺: 482

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 8.86 (d, NH, 1H), 7.78 (d, 2H), 7.45-7.16 (m, 8H), 6.81-6.62 (m, 4H), 4.23-4.14 (m, 1H), 3.76-3.53 (m, 2H), 3.43-3.17 (m, 8H), 2.91 (s, 3H), 2.23-1.77 (m, 7H).

EXAMPLE 60 (3R)-3-[Methyl-(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-(3-pyrrol-1-ylpropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide

The title compound was synthesised according to methods a and d. The reaction time for the final step (conditions: THF, reflux temperature) was 2 days. The obtained product was purified by several washings with THF and ether. The yield was 0.257 g (83%).

MS [M-Br]⁺: 456

H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 7.34-7.06 (m, 8H), 6.78 (m, 2H), 6.01 (m, 2H), 5.75 (s, 1H), 4.47 (m, 1H), 3.94-3.88 (m, 2H), 3.72-3.25 (m, 6H), 3.39 (s, 3H), 3.20-3.05 (m, 2H), 2.22-1.88 (m, 7H).

EXAMPLE 61 (3R)-1-[3-(Biphenyl4-yloxy)propyl]-3-[methyl-(9H-xanthene-9-carbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane chloride

The title compound was synthesised according to methods a and d. The reaction time for the final step (conditions: THF, reflux temperature) was 11 days. The obtained product was purified by several washings with THF and ether. The yield was 0.195 g (57%).

MS [M-Cl]⁺: 559

¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆): δ 7.62 (d, 4H), 7.47-7.02 (m, 13H), 5.77 (s, 1H), 4.50 (m, 1H), 4.13-4.06 (m, 2H), 3.82-3.31 (m, 8H), 3.42 (s, 3H), 2.25-1.91 (m, 7H).

The following examples illustrate pharmaceutical compositions according to the present invention and procedures for their preparation.

EXAMPLE 62 Preparation of a Pharmaceutical Composition: Tablets

Formulation: Compound of the present invention 5.0 mg Lactose 113.6 mg Microcrystalline cellulose 28.4 mg Light silicic anhydride 1.5 mg Magnesium stearate 1.5 mg

Using a mixer machine, 15 g of the compound of the present invention was mixed with 340.8 g of lactose and 85.2 g of microcrystalline cellulose. The mixture was subjected to compression moulding using a roller compactor to give a flake-like compressed material. The flake-like compressed material was pulverized using a hammer mill, and the pulverized material was screened through a 20 mesh screen. A 4.5 g portion of light silicic anhydride and 4.5 g of magnesium stearate were added to the screened material and mixed. The mixer product was subjected to a tablets making machine equipped with a die/punch system of 7.5 mm in diameter, thereby obtaining 3,000 tablets each having 150 mg in weight.

EXAMPLE 63 Preparation of a Pharmaceutical Composition: Coated Tablets

Formulation: Compound of the present invention 5.0 mg Lactose 95.2 mg Corn starch 40.8 mg Polyvinylpyrrolidone K25 7.5 mg Magnesium stearate 1.5 mg Hydroxypropylcellulose 2.3 mg Polyethylene glycol 6000 0.4 mg Titanium dioxide 1.1 mg Purified talc 0.7 mg

Using a fluidized bed granulating machine, 15 g of the compound of the present invention was mixed with 285.6 g of lactose and 122.4 g of corn starch. Separately, 22.5 g of polyvinylpyrrolidone was dissolved in 127.5 g of water to prepare a binding solution. Using a fluidized bed granulating machine, the binding solution was sprayed on the above mixture to give granulates. A 4.5 g portion of magnesium stearate was added to the obtained granulates and mixed. The obtained mixture was subjected to a tablet making machine equipped with a die/punch biconcave system of 6.5 mm in diameter, thereby obtaining 3,000 tablets, each having 150 mg in weight.

Separately, a coating solution was prepared by suspending 6.9 g of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose 2910, 1.2 g of polyethylene glycol 6000, 3.3 g of titanium dioxide and 2.1 g of purified talc in 72.6 g of water. Using a High Coated, the 3,000 tablets prepared above were coated with the coating solution to give film-coated tablets, each having 154.5 mg in weight.

EXAMPLE 64 Preparation of a Pharmaceutical Composition: Liquid Inhalant

Formulation: Compound of the present invention 400 μg Physiological saline 1 ml

A 40 mg portion of the compound of the present invention was dissolved in 90 ml of physiological saline, and the solution was adjusted to a total volume of 100 ml with the same saline solution, dispensed in 1 ml portions into 1 ml capacity ampoule and then sterilized at 115° C. for 30 minutes to give a liquid inhalant.

EXAMPLE 65 Preparation of a Pharmaceutical Composition: Powder Inhalant

Formulation: Compound of the present invention 200 μg Lactose 4,000 μg

A 20 g portion of the compound of the present invention was uniformly mixed with 400 g of lactose, and a 200 mg portion of the mixture was packed in a powder inhaler for exclusive use to produce a powder inhalant.

EXAMPLE 66 Preparation of a Pharmaceutical Composition: Inhalation Aerosol

Formulation: Compound of the present invention 200 μg Dehydrated (Absolute) ethyl alcohol USP 8,400 μg 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134A) 46,810 μg

The active ingredient concentrate is prepared by dissolving 0.0480 g of the compound of the present invention in 2.0160 g of ethyl alcohol. The concentrate is added to an appropriate filling apparatus. The active ingredient concentrate is dispensed into aerosol container, the headspace of the container is purged with Nitrogen or HFC-134A vapour (purging ingredients should not contain more than 1 ppm oxygen) and is sealed with valve. 11.2344 g of HFC-134A propellant is then pressure filled into the sealed container. 

1-31. (canceled)
 32. A compound of formula (I):

wherein: R₁ represents a hydrogen atom or a straight or branched, optionally substituted lower alkyl group; R₂ represents a group of formula i) or ii)

wherein: R₃ represents a group chosen from phenyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thienyl and 3-thienyl; R₄ represents a group chosen from optionally substituted lower alkyl, optionally substituted lower alkenyl, optionally substituted lower alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylmethyl, phenyl, benzyl, phenethyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thienyl and 3-thienyl; and R₅ represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxy, methyl, or —CH₂OH group; wherein the benzene rings in formula ii) and the cyclic groups represented by R₃ and R₄ are each independently optionally substituted by one, two or three, identical or different, substituents chosen from halogen, straight or branched, optionally substituted lower alkyl, hydroxy, straight or branched, optionally substituted lower alkoxy, nitro, cyano, —CO₂R′ and —NR′R″, wherein R′ and R″ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a straight or branched, optionally substituted lower alkyl group or R′ and R″ together with the atom to which they are attached form a cyclic group; Q represents a single bond or a —CH₂—, —CH₂—CH₂—, —O—, —O—CH₂—, —S—, —S—CH₂— or —CH═CH-group; and p is 1 or 2 and the amide group is at positions 2, 3 or 4 of the azabicyclic ring; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a stereoisomer or a mixture thereof; with the proviso that when p is 2, the amide moiety is in position 3 of the quinuclidine ring, R₁ is hydrogen and R₃ and R₄ are both unsubstituted phenyl, then when the compound is not a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or is a HCl salt, then R₅ cannot be one of hydrogen or hydroxy; and when the compound is a quaternary ammonium salt having a methyl group attached to the nitrogen atom of the quinuclidine ring, then R₅ cannot be hydroxy.
 33. The compound according to claim 32, wherein the compound is a quaternary ammonium salt of formula (II)

wherein m is an integer ranging from 0 to 8; n is an integer ranging from 0 to 4: A represents a group chosen from —CH₂—, —CH═CR′—, —CR═CH—, —CR′R″—, —C(O)—, —O—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂— and —NR′—, wherein R′ and R″ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a straight or branched, optionally substituted lower alkyl group or R′ and R″ together with the atom to which they are attached form a cyclic group; R₆ represents a hydrogen atom, or a group chosen from straight or branched, optionally substituted lower alkyl, hydroxy, straight or branched, optionally substituted lower alkoxy, cyano, nitro, —CH═CR′R″, —C(O)OR′, —OC(O)R′, —SC(O)R′, —C(O)NR′R″, —NR′C(O)OR″, —NR′C(O)NR″, cycloalkyl, phenyl, naphthanelyl, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthanelyl, benzo[1,3]dioxolyl, heteroaryl and heterocyclyl; wherein R′ and R″ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a straight or branched, optionally substituted lower alkyl group or R′ and R″ together with the atom to which they are attached form a cyclic group; and wherein the cyclic groups represented by R₆ are optionally substituted by one, two or three, identical or different, substituents chosen from halogen, hydroxy, straight or branched, optionally substituted lower alkyl, phenyl, —OR′, —SR′, —NR′R″, —NHCOR′, —CONR′R″, —CN, —NO₂ and —COOR′; wherein R′ and R″ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a straight or branched, optionally substituted lower alkyl group or R′ and R″ together with the atom to which they are attached form a cyclic group; and X⁻ represents a pharmaceutically acceptable anion of a mono or polyvalent acid, or a stereoisomer or mixture thereof; with the proviso that when p is 2, the amide moiety is in position 3 of the quinuclidine ring, R₁ is hydrogen, R₃ and R₄ are both unsubstituted phenyl and R₅ is hydroxy, then in the compounds of formula (II) the sequence R₆—(CH₂)_(n)-A-(CH₂)_(m)— cannot be a methyl group.
 34. The compound according to claim 32, wherein R₁ is hydrogen, methyl or ethyl.
 35. The compound according to claim 34, wherein R₁ is hydrogen.
 36. The compound according to claim 32, wherein R₂ is a group of formula i), wherein R₃ is a group, which is optionally substituted with at least one halogen atom, chosen from phenyl, 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl and 2-furyl.
 37. The compound according to claim 36, wherein R₂ is a group of formula i), and wherein R₃ is a group, which is optionally substituted with at least one halogen atom, chosen from phenyl, 2-thienyl and 2-furyl.
 38. The compound according to claim 37, wherein R₂ is a group of formula i), wherein R₃ represents a group chosen from phenyl and 2-thienyl.
 39. The compound according to claim 32, wherein R₄ represents a linear group chosen from ethyl, n-butyl, vinyl, allyl, 1-propenyl and 1-propynyl, or a group, which is optionally substituted with at least one substituent chosen from halogen atoms, methyl groups, and methoxy groups, chosen from cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl, benzyl, phenethyl, 2-thienyl and 3-furyl.
 40. The compound according to claim 39, wherein R₄ represents a linear group chosen from ethyl, n-butyl, vinyl, allyl and 1-propynyl, or a group, which is optionally substituted with at least one substituent chosen from halogen atoms, methyl, and methoxy groups, chosen from cyclopentyl, phenyl, benzyl, phenethyl and 2-thienyl.
 41. The compound according to claim 40, wherein R₄ represents a group chosen from ethyl, n-butyl, vinyl, allyl, cyclopentyl, phenyl, benzyl, and 2-thienyl.
 42. The compound according to claim 32, wherein R₂ is a group of formula ii), wherein Q represents a single bond or an oxygen atom.
 43. The compound according to claim 32, wherein R₅ is hydrogen or hydroxy.
 44. The compound according to claim 32, wherein p is 2 and the amide group is at positions 3 or 4 of the azabicyclic ring.
 45. The compound according to claim 44, wherein the amide group is at position 3 of the azabicyclic ring.
 46. The compound according to claim 33, wherein, m is an integer ranging from 0 to 6; n is an integer ranging from 0 to 4; A represents a group chosen from —CH₂—, —CH═CH—, —O—, —C(O)—, —NR′—, and —S—; and R₆ is a hydrogen atom, a cyano group, a nitro group, a —C(O)OR′ group, a —OC(O)R′ group, a —SC(O)R′ group, a —CH═CH₂ group, a —CH═CR′R″ group, a C(O)NR′R″ group, a straight or branched C₁-C₄ alkyl group, which is optionally substituted with at least one halogen atom, a straight C₁-C₄ alkoxy group, which is optionally substituted with at least one substituent chosen from halogen atoms, hydroxy groups, and a cyclic group, which is optionally substituted with at least one substituent chosen from halogen atoms, groups of formula —C(O)NR′R″ and methyl, hydroxy, nitro and phenyl groups, wherein the cyclic group is chosen from cyclohexyl, phenyl, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthanelyl, 2-thienyl, 1-pyrrolidinyl, 1-pyrrolyl, benzo[1,3]dioxolyl, 2-benzothiazolyl, naphthalenyl and dioxolyl.
 47. The compound according to claim 46, wherein, m is an integer ranging from 0 to 5; n is an integer ranging from 0 to 2; A represents a group chosen from —CH₂—, —CH═CH—, —O—, —C(O)—, —NR′—, and —S—; and R₆ is a hydrogen atom, a cyano group, a —C(O)OR′ group, a —OC(O)R′ group, a —SC(O)R′ group, a —CH═CH₂ group, a —C(O)NR′R″ group, a straight or branched C₁-C₄ alkyl group, a trifluoromethyl, or a cyclic group chosen from cyclohexyl, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthanelyl, 2-thienyl, 1-pyrrolyl, benzo[1,3]dioxolyl, 2-benzothiazolyl, naphthalenyl, dioxolyl and phenyl, wherein the cyclic group is optionally substituted with at least one substituent chosen from halogen atoms, groups of formula —C(O)NR′R″, methyl, hydroxy and phenyl groups.
 48. The compound according to claim 47, wherein, m is an integer ranging from 0 to 5; n is an integer ranging from 0 to 2; A represents a group chosen from —CH₂—, —CH═CH—, and —O—; and R₆ is chosen from hydrogen, straight C₁-C₄ alkyl group, —CH═CH₂ group, cyclohexyl group, and a phenyl group , wherein the phenyl group is optionally substituted with one or two, identical or different, substituents chosen from methyl groups and hydroxy groups, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthanelyl and 2-thienyl.
 49. The compound according to claim 48, wherein the sequence R₆ —(CH₂)_(n)-A-(CH₂)_(m)— is chosen from methyl, 3-phenoxypropyl, 3-(3-hydroxyphenoxy)propyl, allyl, heptyl, 3-phenylpropyl, 3-phenylallyl, 2-phenoxyethyl, 2-benzyloxyethyl, cyclohexylmethyl, 3-(5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy)propyl, 5-(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)pentyl, 3-thien-2-ylpropyl and 3-cyclohexylpropyl and X⁻ is bromide or trifluoroacetate.
 50. The compound according to claim 32, wherein the compound is a single isomer.
 51. The compound according to claim 32 chosen from: N-(1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl)-2-hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetamide; N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetamide; N-[(3S)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetamide; N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetamide; N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetamide; N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylpent-4-enamide; (2*)-N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylbutanamide (diastereomer 1); (2*)-N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylbutanamide (diastereomer 2); (2*)-N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylbut-3-enamide (diastereomer 1); (2*)-N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylbut-3-enamide (diastereomer 2); N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2,3-diphenylpropanamide; N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenylacetamide; N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-phenylhexanamide; N-(1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl)-9H-xanthene-9-carboxamide; N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-9H-xanthene-9-carboxamide; N-[(3S)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-9H-xanthene-9-carboxamide; N-(1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl)-9-hydroxy-9H-fluorene-9-carboxamide; N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-N-methyl-9H-xanthene-9-carboxamide; (2S)-N-[(3R)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetamide; 3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-methyl-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide; 3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(3-phenoxypropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide; (3R)-3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-methyl-i -azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate; (3R)-1-Allyl-3-(2-hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate; (3R)-1-Heptyl-3-(2-hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate; (3R)-3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(3-phenylpropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide; (3R)-3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-((E)-3-phenylallyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate; (3R)-3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(2-phenoxyethyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide; (3R)-3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(3-phenoxypropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide; (3R)-3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-[3-(3-hydroxyphenoxy)propyl]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate; (3R)-1-(2-Benzyloxyethyl)-3-(2-hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate; (3R)-3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(3-thien-2-ylpropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide; (3S)-3-(2-Hydroxy-2,2-dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(3-phenoxypropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide; (3R)-3-(2,2-Dithien-2-ylacetylamino)-1-(3-phenoxypropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide; 1-Methyl-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide; 1-(3-Phenoxypropyl)-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide; (3R)-1-(3-Phenoxypropyl)-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide; (3S)-1-Allyl-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate; (3S)-1-Heptyl-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate; (3S)-1-Cyclohexylmethyl-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate; (3S)-1-(3-Cyclohexylpropyl)-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate; (3S)-1-(3-Phenoxypropyl)-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide; (3S)-1-[3-(5,6,7,8-Tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yloxy)propyl]-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate; (3S)-1-[5-(2,6-Dimethylphenoxy)pentyl]-3-[(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane trifluoroacetate; 3-{[(9-Hydroxy-9H-fluoren-9-yl)carbonyl]amino}-1-methyl-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide; 3-{[(9-Hydroxy-9H-fluoren-9-yl)carbonyl]amino}-1-(3-phenoxypropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide; (3R)-1-[3-(2-Carbamoylphenoxy)propyl]-3-{[(9-Hydroxy-9H-fluoren-9-yl)carbonyl]amino}-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane formate; (3R)-1-[4-(4-Fluorophenyl)-4-oxobutyl]-3-{[(9-Hydroxy-9H-fluoren-9-yl)carbonyl]amino}-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane formate; (3R)-3-{[(9-Hydroxy-9 H-fluoren-9-yl)carbonyl]amino}-1-[3-(methylphenylamino)propyl]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane chloride; (3R)-3-{[(9-Hydroxy-9 H-fluoren-9-yl)carbonyl]amino}-1-(3-phenylsulfanylpropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane formate; -(3R)-3-[Methyl-(9H-xanthen-9-ylcarbonyl)amino]-1-(3-pyrrol-1-ylpropyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide; (3R)-l-[3-(Biphenyl-4-yloxy)propyl]-3-[methyl-(9H-xanthene-9-carbonyl)amino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane chloride; (3R)-3-(2-Fur-2-yl-2-hydroxypent-3-ynoylamino)-1-[3-(naphthalen-1-yloxy)propyl]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane chloride; (3R)-1-[3-(Benzo[1,3]dioxol-5-yloxy)propyl]-3-(2-fur-2-yl-2-hydroxypent-3-ynolamino)-1-azonia-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide; (3R)-1-[3-(Benzothiazol-2-yloxy)propyl]-3-(2-fur-2-yl-2-hydroxypent-3-ynoylamino)-1-azonia-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane chloride; (3R)-3-{[(2S)-2-Cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetyl]amino}-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide; (3R)-3-{[(2S)-2-Cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetyl]amino}-1-(2-ethoxyethyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane formate; (3R)-3-{[(2S)-2-Cyclopentyl-2-hydroxy-2-thien-2-ylacetyl]amino}-1-(4,4,4-trifluorobutyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide; (3R)-1-(4-Acetoxybutyl)-3-[2-(5-bromothien-2-yl)-2-(4-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)-2-hydroxyacetylamino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide; -(3R)-3-[2-(5-Bromothien-2-yl)-2-(4-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)-2-hydroxyacetylamino]-1-(4-ethoxycarbonylbutyl)-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide; (3R)-1-(3-Acetylsulfanylpropyl)-3-[2-(5-bromothien-2-yl)-2-(4-fluoro-3-methylphenyl)-2-hydroxyacetylamino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane formate; (3R)-1-(3-Cyanopropyl)-3-[2-fur-2-yl-2-hydroxy-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyrylamino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide; (3R)-1-(2-Carbamoylethyl)-3-[2-fur-2-yl-2-hydroxy-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyrylamino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane formate; and (3R)-1-(2-[1,3]Dioxolan-2-yl-ethyl)-3-[2-fur-2-yl-2-hydroxy-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)butyrylamino]-1-azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane bromide.
 52. A process for producing a compound of claim 32, wherein R₂ is a group of formula i) and R₅ is an hydroxy group, wherein the process comprises reacting a compound of formula (V)

with the corresponding organometallic derivative R₄-[Mg,Li].
 53. The compound of formula (V), chosen from N-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl-2-oxo-2-thien-2-ylacetamide; N-[(3R)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-oxo-2-thien-2-ylacetamide; and N-[(3S)-1-Azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl]-2-oxo-2-thien-2-ylacetamide.
 54. A process for producing a compound of claim 33, wherein the process comprises reacting a compound of formula (I)

wherein: R₁ represents a hydrogen atom or a straight or branched, optionally substituted lower alkyl group; R₂ represents a group of formula i) or ii)

wherein: R₃ represents a group chosen from phenyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thienyl and 3-thienyl; R₄ represents a group chosen from optionally substituted lower alkyl, optionally substituted lower alkenyl, optionally substituted lower alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylmethyl, phenyl, benzyl, phenethyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl, 2-thienyl and 3-thienyl; and R₅ represents a hydrogen atom or a hydroxy, methyl, or —CH₂OH group; wherein the benzene rings in formula ii) and the cyclic groups represented by R₃ and R₄ are each independently optionally substituted by one, two or three, identical or different, substituents chosen from halogen, straight or branched, optionally substituted lower alkyl, hydroxy, straight or branched, optionally substituted lower alkoxy, nitro, cyano, —CO₂R′ and —NR′R″, wherein R′ and R″ each independently represents a hydrogen atom or a straight or branched, optionally substituted lower alkyl group or R′ and R″ together with the atom to which they are attached form a cyclic group; Q represents a single bond or a —CH₂—, —CH₂—CH₂—, —O—, —O—CH₂—, —S—, —S—CH₂— or —CH═CH-group; and p is 1 or 2 and the amide group is at positions 2, 3 or 4 of the azabicyclic ring; or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a stereoisomer or a mixture thereof; with the proviso that when p is 2, the amide moiety is in position 3 of the quinuclidine ring, R₁ is hydrogen and R₃ and R₄ are both unsubstituted phenyl, then when the compound is not a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or is a HCl salt, then R₅ cannot be one of hydrogen or hydroxy; and when the compound is a quaternary ammonium salt having a methyl group attached to the nitrogen atom of the quinuclidine ring, then R₅ cannot be hydroxy, with an alkylating agent of formula R₆—(CH₂)_(n)-A-(CH₂)_(m)—W, wherein W represents a suitable leaving group.
 55. A pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one compound of according to claim 32 in admixture with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
 56. A compound of claim 32, wherein the compound is effective for the treatment of a pathological condition or disease susceptible to amelioration by antagonism of M3 muscarinic receptors.
 57. A method for treating a subject afflicted with a pathological condition or disease susceptible to amelioration by antagonism of M3 muscarinic receptors, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of at least one compound of claim
 32. 58. The method according to claim 57 wherein the pathological condition is chosen from respiratory, urological, and gastrointestinal disease or disorder.
 59. A combination product comprising, (i) at least one first compound of claim 32; and (ii) at least one second compound effective in the treatment of at least one pathological condition chosen from respiratory, urological and gastrointestinal disease or disorder wherein the at least one first compound and the at least one second compound are administered simultaneously, separately, or sequentially.
 60. A combination product comprising, (i) at least one first compound of claim 32; and (ii) at least one second compound chosen from β₂ agonist, steroid, an antiallergic drug, phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor and a leukotriene D4 (LTD4) antagonist, wherein the at least one first compound and the at least one second compound are administered simultaneously, separately, or sequentially in the treatment of a respiratory disease. 